Volleyball season is upon us, and Cape Cod continues to be home to some of the best teams in Massachusetts. Last year featured deep playoff runs and even a state championship, and fans are expecting more of the same this fall. With less than a week until opening matches, here are three programs to keep an eye on in 2025

The Bourne Canalmen enter the season as defending Division 5 champions. They secured the top seed in the state tournament last year and went on to sweep Whitinsville Christian 3-0 in the final. Bourne closed the season with a 15-5 record.

Senior libero Lily Russell returns as one of the top players in Massachusetts. In her junior season she recorded 100 serving aces, ranked fifth in the state, and 348 digs, ranked 14th. She posted even bigger numbers as a sophomore, finishing with 502 digs and 72 aces.

Joining her is senior setter and opposite hitter Sofia Haulnen, who produced on both sides of the ball last year. She finished with 188 kills and a .240 hitting percentage while also recording 373 assists.

With Russell and Haulnen back for their final season, Bourne looks prepared to defend its title and remain among the best teams in the state.

Barnstable remains one of the strongest programs on Cape Cod. The Red Hawks posted a 16-4 record in 2024 and reached the quarterfinals of the Division 1 state tournament before falling to Brookline.

The team was led by senior outside hitter Molly Gleason, who put up 251 kills last season and finished her career with 563. Setter Teagan Geraghty guided the offense with 604 assists, which ranked 13th in Massachusetts and first in the Cape and Islands League.

Barnstable graduated both players, but the Red Hawks have a deep program and will enter 2025 as a team to watch once again.

Dennis-Yarmouth finished the 2024 season with a 12-8 record and earned the 10th seed in the Division 3 playoffs. Their tournament run ended in the Round of 16 with a loss to Holliston.

Setter Vivian Castano left her mark on the program by breaking both the school and state records for career assists. She finished with 2,313. Middle hitter Mariah Eaton had 321 kills last season, which ranked eighth in Massachusetts.

The Dolphins showed they could compete with some of the top teams in the state. Cape Cod Sports Network will be following them throughout 2025, and fans can stay up to date by visiting capecodsports.net and checking our social media channels for updates.