Melrose continued its opening season homestand with a 3-0 thrashing of the Burlington Red Devils, 25-7, 25-9, 25-7. The victory brings Melrose to 2-0, with a pair of challenges ahead, at Bishop Fenwick on Wednesday and at archrival Reading Friday.
Coach Scott Celli shortened his rotation today in preparation to step up the competition.
Melrose got off to a sluggish very early start with some tentative play, trailing 1-2, but quickly stepped on the accelerator to reverse to a 7-2 lead, behind some Brooke Bell service and eight first game kills. The Lady Raiders spread it around with a pair apiece from Captains Athena Ziavras, Jill Slabacheski, and Alyssa DiRaffaele. From 8-5, Melrose went on an twelve point run to cool the devils.
Game two saw Melrose come out fast and play with more consistency, turning a 6-5 lead into a 19-4 finish. Melrose had 13 kills in the frame, including four from sophomore middle Rachel Johnson, three from Jill, and a pair each from Brooke and Athena. Melrose completed the game without a service error.
The final game showcased superior service from Jill, who had five aces in the game, as Melrose raced out to a 13-nil advantage. Burlington fought back to 15-5, but Melrose went on a 10-2 spree, as Melrose never drank the Devil's Kool-Aid. Melrose had only six kills in the stanza because of their nine aces, but Athena had a trio of kills and an ace. Sarah McGowan did some good work in the back row and contributed a pair of aces. Rachael Wolley came off the bench to set well, and freshman Cassidy Barbaro brought the jump serve out of hibernation.
Game Analysis: Melrose appeared more comfortable today, with overall effective play from both the front and the back row. Brooke continues to set 'effortlessly' and Alyssa and Rachel dominated at the net, winning joust after joust. The biggest difference today was the service, with extensive runs by Jill, Athena, and Alyssa as each brought the heat and a variety of service styles.
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