Mascoma Coach Eric Ramage, right, talks with Lindsay McDonald, middle, as Jadyn Bates retrieves a ball while warming up for a scrimmage with Hanover High in Hanover, N.H., Monday, August 27, 2019. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com.
Mascoma Coach Eric Ramage, right, talks with Lindsay McDonald, middle, as Jadyn Bates retrieves a ball while warming up for a scrimmage with Hanover High in Hanover, N.H., Monday, August 27, 2019. (Valley News - James M. Patterson) Copyright Valley News. May not be reprinted or used online without permission. Send requests to permission@vnews.com. Credit: James M. Patterson

Volleyball may not be the biggest sport in the Upper Valley, but it just grew in a big way this fall, with Hartford High launching a program for the first time.

The Hurricanes are now the only local Vermont school to field a team, with Mid Vermont Christian dropping to junior varsity only.

East of the Connecticut River, Hanover, Mascoma and Stevens are all on the hunt for playoff success.

HANOVER

Coach: Megan McFarland (6th year).

Last year: 8-8, lost in first round to St. Thomas.

League: NHIAA Division II.

Returners: Seniors — Caitlin Fillinger (MB/OH), Josie Hall (DS), Darien Ray (OPP), Lilly Clapp (DS). Juniors — Ada Callaway (OPP), Talia Daft (S), Rosa Bradley (OH), Annika Lackstrom (MB).

Newcomers: Seniors — Scarlett Wallace (S), Kiara King (OH), Ava Winchester (DS). Sophomores — Laura Schaner (OH/MB), Dylan Simpkins (OH).

Analysis: After a strong 2020, Hanover regressed a bit last year, but with an experienced core and a pair of impact transfers in King and Wallace, the Bears will look to compete with the likes of Coe-Brown, Milford and Gilford in Division II.

“We will have a very different look than in previous seasons,” McFarland said. “We have a large senior class. Combined with our strong junior class, three of which started for us and played club volleyball in the offseason, we look to be a highly competitive team.”

MASCOMA

Coach: Eric Ramage (5th year).

Last year: 6-11, lost in first round to Inter-Lakes.

League: NHIAA Division III.

Returners: Junior — Patience Maville (OH/S). Sophomores — Anna Sullivan (OH/S), Abigail Waugh (S/DS/L).

Newcomers: Seniors — Alanna Cilbrith (DS), Lindsey Cook (R), Maya Eaton (M/R). Sophomore — Natalie Thoresen (MH/S). Freshmen — Baylee Hill (MH), Trinity Hill (M), Rosalyn Ibey (S/DS), Sara McKinney (OH).

Analysis: The young Royals, now coming off a full season, will look to break through with a playoff win for the first time under Ramage.

“We’re a young team learning to work together and build our platform skills and competitive heart,” Ramage said.

Benjamin Rosenberg can be reached at brosenberg@vnews.com or 603-727-3302.