Set for Success: Nonnewaug Volleyball Serves Up a Historic Season

The Chiefs record breaking season marks a new era for the program.

Coach Marty Malaspina looks on as NHS volleyball finds itself in historic territory as it squares off against Joel Barlow Wednesday evening in Brookfield at 6:00 PM. This season marks the deepest run the program has ever seen. (Photo Credit – Deme Jones)

Addison Bushka ’27 and Elliana Obolewicz ’27 • November 10, 2025 • 175 Views

WOODBURY – Consistency. Dedication. Hardwork.

These are the attributes of Nonnewaug girls volleyball that have created more than just a seasonal run but a road to history in this 2025 season.

On November 8, the Chiefs trecked their way upstate to compete in the Class M state quarter finals against number three seed Suffield High School.

The game ended in a huge upset for Suffield with Nonnewaug walking away with a 3-1 win, granting them a ticket to the state semi finals, which would make it the first time in the program’s history.

“I think it’s been great to see our program turn into a powerhouse in the league,” said volleyball coach of 11 years Marty Malaspina. “ I think we’re starting to see some real success in the state tournament now.”

The program has finished this year’s regular season 10-0 making it back to back undefeated records for the Berkshire League. Pulling through with a Berkshire League Tournament win, the girls have proved their collective resilience this season.

The Nonnewaug girls volleyball team huddles together before their match, preparing themselves to work together throughout the game. The girls have learned through their collaboration and hard work that they can reach their goals as a team. (Photo Credit: Dawn Fanara)

“I think we have all been working personally on our different roles and we’ve become so close of a team that it’s just created our court chemistry to be amazing,” junior setter Ava Rickenbach said.

Seeded number four, Nonnewaug continues to reach for new opportunities. Their upcoming match against number 2 seed Joel Barlow will be a testament to the team’s collaboration and adjustments to the competition.

“I think we’ve had some bumps in the road of how to work things out on the court and how to overcome mistakes that we’ve made,” Rickenbach said. “I’m so proud of this team for being able to get over those little things and really come together.”

Junior middle Hazel Cole emphasizes the importance of mindset going into the semi-final match on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

“The most important thing to focus on as a team is keeping a good headspace throughout the game,” Cole said. “I know a lot of us can have a hard time mentally so trying to stay positive and living in the moment is another success in our book.”

In the heat of the competition, it is essential to look back and recognize all the hard work the team has put in to make it this far.

“Even us making it to the semifinal is history, so this marks the best finish of all time,” said Malaspina. “This is a huge testament to our girls this year, and we have a tough match coming up, but we’re just excited to be there.”

About the Contributors

Addison Bushka ’27, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Addison Bushka is a junior at Nonnewaug High School who writes for the NHS Chief Advocate as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief. This is her third year in journalism, returning to continue her passion for writing and telling a story. She enjoys writing about sports, school events, and the community. When not writing for the Chief Advocate, she plays soccer and runs track for Nonnewaug.

Elliana Obolewicz ’27, Junior Editor

Elliana Obolewicz is a junior at Nonnewaug who writes and edits for the NHS Chief Advocate. As an athlete at NHS, she plays both soccer and basketball. She lives in Woodbury and loves to write about sports, school events, and the community.