Roughly 70 percent of the earth is covered by water, and the rest is covered by the Franklin girls’ volleyball team.
The Panthers are back in postseason form with a sweep of previously top-ranked Winchester, leapfrogging the Red & Black in this week’s Globe Top 20 girls’ volleyball poll.
Division 2 defending champ Oliver Ames takes over the top spot; OA beat host Franklin in a five-setter earlier this season. Much like last season, it’s the Hockomock League on top.
In the Merrimack Valley, Chelmsford responded to its 3-0 loss to Central Catholic by defeating Andover. The Golden Warriors lost to both in five sets, showing how close those top MVC teams are.
Then there’s the Middlesex League, which has wins over Newton North, Newburyport, and Longmeadow this season, and that’s before counting two big nonleague wins for Winchester: Brookline and Newton South. Melrose defeated Newburyport on Wednesday, and Burlington earned a five-set victory over Woburn on Monday. Both victors enter the rankings.
Records based on scores reported to the Globe.
The Globe’s Top 20 girls’ volleyball poll
The Globe poll as of Oct. 2, 2026. Teams were selected by the Globe sports staff.
AJ Traub can be reached at aj.traub@globe.com. Follow him on X @aj_traub and Instagram @ajt37.