The Hopedale Blue Raiders captured the program’s first-ever Division 5 state volleyball championship Saturday, sweeping No. 7 Smith Vocational 3-0 in a final that capped an outstanding postseason run for the No. 1 seed.
Hopedale’s path to the title included 3-0 wins over Brighton and Saint John Paul II, plus decisive victories over Renaissance and Lenox in the quarters and semis. In the final, the Blue Raiders showed composure under pressure. Smith jumped to an early 4-0 lead in set one, but Madison Buttonow’s ace and Hopedale’s late run flipped the frame. Buttonow continued to impact the match with two aces in the second set, helping the Blue Raiders close it 25-16.
The third set was the tightest. Hopedale trailed until late, earned its first lead at 17-16, and finished the set 25-23 to clinch the championship. Hopedale’s balanced attack, efficient serving, and senior leadership combined in the moment that long-time supporters had been waiting for. For a program that had come close in recent years, this title is a watershed achievement and a reward for steady development.
