June was a rather quiet time for the Merrimack Valley Conference volleyball contingent in 2025.
In fact, just one MVC team – Lowell – reached the round of 16 in the Division 1 state tourney, which is highly unusual for the normally dangerous league. Four of the six area combatants missed the tourney entirely.
The expectations for 2026 are that all the lessons learned last spring should pay dividends on the floor.
Four 2025 Eagle-Tribune All-Stars – Lawrence’s Victor Torres, Methuen’s Andrew Cox, and North Andover’s Malik Hassan and Prady Mistry – return to anchor their teams this spring, and hopes run high.
Rangers on a roll
Methuen coach Matt Twomey, now in year 18 and coming off a 15-5 campaign, was short and to the point about the 2026 Rangers.
“We expect to have a very good season and make a deep run in the tournament,” the coach said.
Methuen welcomes the Springfield College-bound Cox and junior Cole Tourkantonis back up front, which could account for some real Klimas Fieldhouse fireworks this spring.
“Cole missed almost all of last season with an injury and is going to make a big impact for us,” said Twomey, who welcomed 41 athletes at tryouts. “He and Andrew Cox are arguably one of the best duos at the outside position in the state.”
Jayden Cox takes over the setter spot. Senior middle hitter Elijah Jean is the fourth Ranger returning starter. Hoop players Justin Feliz and Robert Almonte-Soriano expect to step into prominent roles.
Andover boys building
Second-year Andover High coach Brent Ashley welcomes back four starters from an 11-win crew.
“After losing many seniors to graduation, we are looking at many new players in new positions this year,” he said. “We have the opportunity to truly develop our team culture and identity. Nearly everyone on our varsity roster is coming from club teams with a true energy and drive to find success this season.”
Setter Hank Schwartz was an Eagle-Tribune honorable mention all-star as a junior. He’s the lone senior on the roster. Charles Ke comes off a strong sophomore season at outside hitter.
Knights could be special
Mistry (273 digs, 76 assists, 58 aces last year) and Hassan (144 kills, 42 blocks) head up the five returning starters at North Andover. In addition, Cayden Holt (191 kills) is back after earning second-team All-MVC status a year ago.
“Prady Mistry has looked tremendous in preseason and very well might be the best libero in the state,” said coach Mike Scammon. “We have seen massive improvement in the offseason from Malik Hassan who I believe is going to have a breakout season. We have high expectations for ourselves.
“We are fielding a large team this season due to the high number of returning seniors and the talent we saw from this year’s large freshman class.”
Lancers looking to break through
As a freshman, Lawrence’s Victor Torres announced his presence with authority almost immediately in a 231-kill, 203-dig season.
He and the Lancers (8-12 last spring) are hungry to make a return to the state tourney for the first time since 2019.
“This group is putting in the work and working hard in the offseason,” said coach Hector Sanchez, who welcomes back five starters in all from his 2025 MVC2 champs. “I like the team balance of experience and new players. We are looking to have a good season.”
Setter Christian Gomez piled up 533 assists last year, and Yadian Lopez, a senior, should be strong in the middle after posting 25 blocks a year ago.
Hillies have solid mix
Haverhill coach Jeff Harris returns four starters and adds a promising cast of sophomores as the Hillies look to better their win total of four in 2025.
Patrick Osgood (161 digs, 25 aces), Brady Paris (151 kills), Peter Grillo (371 assists) and Kole Sindoni (41 blocks) form what should be a strong foundation.
“It’s a great group of young men, who have the chance to come together and be a tight-knit group that plays gritty, tough volleyball,” said Harris. “They’ve proven that they have skills and the flexibility to move around the lineup. Now it is about finding some chemistry, and all pulling together in the same direction.”
Four Central starters return
Central Catholic, 1-0 after opening with a non-league win last week over Lowell Catholic, will be ready this spring.
“The team is eager to get to work this season. We have solid senior leadership,” said coach Alana McNeil. “Our returning starters – Michael Najjar (262 assists), Elijah Hong (296 digs), Sebastien Masse (95 kills) and Seven Gibson — will provide stability and experience on the court and promising newcomers will make an impact right away.”