by:  Domenic Casparriello and Matt McCarthy

The Westborough Rangers Varsity Volleyball team will be experiencing serious change this season, with some key players leaving and other important pieces coming in. Change aside, this Westborough team figures to build on a successful past couple seasons in turn and make a serious run at the state title.

Former sophomore standout Gabi Bailey has decided to transfer to Lawrence Academy, leaving a huge void that Westborough needs to fill. Junior transfer Lexi Austin; formerly a member of dreaded (and inferior) Algonquin Tomahawks, has decided to join the good guys. She figures to play a massive role in filling the hole of Bailey’s departure.

The only senior who will not return is Hayley Brown, who added solid play to the Rangers. Younger players including junior Chloe Goebel and sophomore Alexa Vasalakis could be X-factors and will have to step up if the Rangers are going to seriously contend. Despite having limited experience at the varsity level, many of the upcoming sophomores and juniors will have to learn on the fly.

When asked about her nerves for the upcoming season, Vasalakis replies, “I think I’ll definitely have butterflies before the first game, but I think that’s normal, and once we get rolling I’ll forget all that and just play.“ It is clear fear and uncertainty has found no place on this team; a great sign considering there will be no shortage of important games this year. Opening up against Bishop Feehan and then travelling to Shepard Hill, the Rangers will be tested early and often. With Leominster, Shrewsbury, Algonquin, and others all squaring up against the Rangers twice this year.

Austin is expected to be the physical leader for the Rangers this year, and when asked about having any difficulty or nerves transferring to a new school, Austin told us, “I was definitely nervous coming to the rival school, but people were really welcoming. And right after volleyball tryouts they all took me in and made this transition easier.” Expect her to be on her A-game as well in the Rangers home opener vs. Gonk. “It’s going to be fun” was her response about the potential atmosphere in Fisher Gym on September 12.

We expect a fun game as well, and certainly an exciting and successful season for this new look Rangers squad. Be sure to make it to every game you can this year to support them!