Opportunity doesn't knock; opportunity crashes through.
Melrose graduated its greatest blocking combination (Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland) and another accomplished blocker (Sarah McGowan).
Effective blockers will win jobs.
Here's a great video with some drills and skills.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
"Purposeful Practice"
I've cross-posted this from Melrosegirlsbasketball.com.
Peak performance (sometimes accompanied by greatness, but more often by hyperbole) occurs by design. Louis Pasteur reminds us that "chance favors the prepared mind."
Practice is insufficient. Ericsson calls it "deliberate practice" and others "purposeful practice." Only by challenging your limits, enhancing your athleticism, skill, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual (teamwork) game do you become your best.
Book recommendation: "Bounce" by Matthew Syed.
Peak performance (sometimes accompanied by greatness, but more often by hyperbole) occurs by design. Louis Pasteur reminds us that "chance favors the prepared mind."
Practice is insufficient. Ericsson calls it "deliberate practice" and others "purposeful practice." Only by challenging your limits, enhancing your athleticism, skill, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual (teamwork) game do you become your best.
Book recommendation: "Bounce" by Matthew Syed.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Boston Herald Volleyball All-Scholastics
The Boston Herald reports its volleyball All-Scholastics in today's issue.
...give your dreams the wings to fly...if you just believe.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Cross-Post
From Melrosegirlsbasketball.com
On branding...part of the success of Melrose volleyball. Old school...
On branding...part of the success of Melrose volleyball. Old school...
Friday, December 14, 2012
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Volleyball Girls Recognized by Rotary Club
The Melrose Rotary Club honored the Lady Raiders state championship volleyball team recently at a luncheon.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Honor Roll
A huge Melrose fan sent this along, tagged "Best of the Decade." Successful teams receive individual accolades as well as team recognition. You can make your dreams come true...from one proud parent to many.
2003
Marianne Foley
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
2004
Karen Sen
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
2005
Karen Sen
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2005
Paula Sen
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2007
Hannah Brickley
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2008
Hannah Brickley
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2009
Hannah Brickley
Boston Globe All-Scholastic (Division 2 Player of the Year)
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2009
Colleen Hanscom
MGVCA Divsion 2 All-State Team
2009
Scott Celli
Boston Globe All-Scholastic (Division 2 Coach of the Year)
2010
Athena Ziavras
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2011
Brooke Bell
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2011
Sarah McGowan
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2012
Brooke Bell
Boston Globe All-Scholastic (Division 2 Player of the Year)
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
2012
Sarah McGowan
Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Boston Herald All-Scholastic
MGVCA Division 2 All-State Team
Inside the Numbers
Players make plays when it counts.
This table illustrates the major offensive production (kills) by Melrose's primary hitters 'down the stretch' in the biggest games.
The moral of the story is not just the virtue of production, but of an element of balanced offense, such that the defense must defend the whole court. It also shows how players stepped up their production in key games.
The moral of the story is not just the virtue of production, but of an element of balanced offense, such that the defense must defend the whole court. It also shows how players stepped up their production in key games.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Globe All-Scholastics
Seniors Brooke Bell and Sarah McGowan featured among Boston Globe All-Scholastics.
Sunday, December 09, 2012
Still Conflicted
Two weeks after Melrose's crowning achievement, I'm still a bit conflicted, not with cognitive dissonance about winning, but about when to move on. Let's enjoy, but move on.
I've talked about Melrose's "complementary volleyball", the front row blockers making life better for the back row, the back row's "platform skills" helping the setter, and the excellent setting for the attack.
Competition is the operative word for Melrose volleyball 2013. To whomever I am forgetting, apologies in advance.
Despite graduating Boston Globe Player of the Year Brooke Bell, Melrose will have tremendous competition for the setter position, including but not limited to Maeve Moriarty, Allie Nolan, and Amanda Cain. Nobody should forget that setters 'set', but they also defend, serve, block, AND attack, in other words they use all the volleyball skills. Although I don't "channel" Coach Scott Celli, I more than take him at his word that every position is open. Players play, coaches coach, and eventually the spots get filled.
Similarly, despite Amanda Commito's impending graduation, Melrose's strength comes from the back, with high talent and effort level in Jill MacInnes, Allie Nolan, Cassidy Barbaro, Maave Moriarty, and under-rated Alyssa Abbott. This gives the coaching staff a lot of flexibility going forward.
In the classic Art of War, author Sun Tzu writes "every battle is won or lost before it is fought," meaning preparation, strategy, and training define outcomes.
Ergo, one major determinant of success going forward is the outcome of the competition for front row spots. Melrose graduates some of the premier blockers in its history, including Rachel Johnson, Kayla Wyland, and Sarah McGowan. I'm not going to review the roster of superior blockers from past Melrose teams, just note that blockers are not fungible year to year.
Blocking is about timing, technique, and of course, some combination of height and jumping ability. The middle blocker spots occupied by Sarah and Rachel are wide open, with a host of players fighting for time. A roster spot on the 2012 team guarantees nothing going forward. Stephanie Crovo and Meri Lessing have the advantage of having practiced against Melrose's championship front line. Although Annalisa DeBari played outside in 2012, she could migrate to the middle if needed. JV players can develop with off-season work, and one has to be aware of "unknowns", as the eighth grade class has both size and athleticism.
Here's an introduction to volleyball blocking technique with some concepts that may not be intrinsically obvious:
well-done on what to track
Enjoy the journey.
I've talked about Melrose's "complementary volleyball", the front row blockers making life better for the back row, the back row's "platform skills" helping the setter, and the excellent setting for the attack.
Competition is the operative word for Melrose volleyball 2013. To whomever I am forgetting, apologies in advance.
Despite graduating Boston Globe Player of the Year Brooke Bell, Melrose will have tremendous competition for the setter position, including but not limited to Maeve Moriarty, Allie Nolan, and Amanda Cain. Nobody should forget that setters 'set', but they also defend, serve, block, AND attack, in other words they use all the volleyball skills. Although I don't "channel" Coach Scott Celli, I more than take him at his word that every position is open. Players play, coaches coach, and eventually the spots get filled.
Similarly, despite Amanda Commito's impending graduation, Melrose's strength comes from the back, with high talent and effort level in Jill MacInnes, Allie Nolan, Cassidy Barbaro, Maave Moriarty, and under-rated Alyssa Abbott. This gives the coaching staff a lot of flexibility going forward.
In the classic Art of War, author Sun Tzu writes "every battle is won or lost before it is fought," meaning preparation, strategy, and training define outcomes.
Ergo, one major determinant of success going forward is the outcome of the competition for front row spots. Melrose graduates some of the premier blockers in its history, including Rachel Johnson, Kayla Wyland, and Sarah McGowan. I'm not going to review the roster of superior blockers from past Melrose teams, just note that blockers are not fungible year to year.
Blocking is about timing, technique, and of course, some combination of height and jumping ability. The middle blocker spots occupied by Sarah and Rachel are wide open, with a host of players fighting for time. A roster spot on the 2012 team guarantees nothing going forward. Stephanie Crovo and Meri Lessing have the advantage of having practiced against Melrose's championship front line. Although Annalisa DeBari played outside in 2012, she could migrate to the middle if needed. JV players can develop with off-season work, and one has to be aware of "unknowns", as the eighth grade class has both size and athleticism.
Here's an introduction to volleyball blocking technique with some concepts that may not be intrinsically obvious:
well-done on what to track
Enjoy the journey.
Friday, December 07, 2012
Changing of the Guard
Always click to see the full image (courtesy Don Norris)
Incoming captains: (right to left) Allie Nolan, Cassidy Barbaro, Jill MacInnes
It's easy to understand where the "ankle braces" rule developed.
Banquet Recap
The highlight of the banquet tends to be 1) the video and 2) naming of the captains. This year was no exception.
Jeff Mate' put together a great introduction to popular music, with the senior parents hamming it up...with the oversized Senior Night volleyballs. Including the Senior Night speeches was a great touch.
Mayor Rob Dolan presented team members plaques with a key to the city.
Coach Celli thanked the people of Melrose and a number of contributors who have helped make the program successful. I was glad to have him recognize one of the "First Ladies of Melrose Volleyball", my wife Ellen. Coach Wall played a message from his son...some infant crying. Nice touch.
The coaches summarized their seasons, JV 21-2 and the varsity winning the state title, and showed thankfulness for the players, families, and each other. It was clear that the coaches work closely together and have a great deal of mutual respect. The current captains noted that within the school, the program has become known as the Volleyball Cult.
Coach Wall awarded Amanda Cain the MVP (voted on by players) and Meri Lessing the most improved. Both earned callups to the varsity for the playoffs. The Boosters awarded the players framed reprints of a Boston Globe season recap.
Coach Celli handed out a number of awards...I should have taken notes.
- Top Server, Amanda Commito 97.5 percent
- Top Defender, Rachel 'The Rock' Johnson
- Dedication Award, Sydney Doherty
- Unsung Hero, Jen Cain
- Most improved, Kayla Wyland
- MVP, Sarah McGowan
- Coach's Award, Brooke Bell
One of the many strengths of the program is the consistency of the culture (not just the cult status the program has engendered). Young adults may not always agree with the rules and discipline, but they contribute to both long-term and short-term success. The coach reiterated that regardless of where the season ended, all positions and playing time are open, and that improvement and performance guide time on the court.
He also made it clear that the goals for next season are unchanged from those of this season, winning the Middlesex League title, the North Sectional, and the State Championship. Establishing demanding goals is part of the culture of success that Coach Celli has brought to Melrose volleyball. Players who (with family support) have made the sacrifices to be successful have set a high standard for future teams to challenge.
Jeff Mate' put together a great introduction to popular music, with the senior parents hamming it up...with the oversized Senior Night volleyballs. Including the Senior Night speeches was a great touch.
Mayor Rob Dolan presented team members plaques with a key to the city.
Coach Celli thanked the people of Melrose and a number of contributors who have helped make the program successful. I was glad to have him recognize one of the "First Ladies of Melrose Volleyball", my wife Ellen. Coach Wall played a message from his son...some infant crying. Nice touch.
The coaches summarized their seasons, JV 21-2 and the varsity winning the state title, and showed thankfulness for the players, families, and each other. It was clear that the coaches work closely together and have a great deal of mutual respect. The current captains noted that within the school, the program has become known as the Volleyball Cult.
Coach Wall awarded Amanda Cain the MVP (voted on by players) and Meri Lessing the most improved. Both earned callups to the varsity for the playoffs. The Boosters awarded the players framed reprints of a Boston Globe season recap.
Coach Celli handed out a number of awards...I should have taken notes.
- Top Server, Amanda Commito 97.5 percent
- Top Defender, Rachel 'The Rock' Johnson
- Dedication Award, Sydney Doherty
- Unsung Hero, Jen Cain
- Most improved, Kayla Wyland
- MVP, Sarah McGowan
- Coach's Award, Brooke Bell
One of the many strengths of the program is the consistency of the culture (not just the cult status the program has engendered). Young adults may not always agree with the rules and discipline, but they contribute to both long-term and short-term success. The coach reiterated that regardless of where the season ended, all positions and playing time are open, and that improvement and performance guide time on the court.
He also made it clear that the goals for next season are unchanged from those of this season, winning the Middlesex League title, the North Sectional, and the State Championship. Establishing demanding goals is part of the culture of success that Coach Celli has brought to Melrose volleyball. Players who (with family support) have made the sacrifices to be successful have set a high standard for future teams to challenge.
Thursday, December 06, 2012
Celebration
Tonight Melrose Volleyball celebrated the 2012 season with the traditional breakup dinner at the Montvale Plaza, featuring a wonderful dinner including steak tips and Chicken Marsala.
Here are just a few highlights in a preliminary report.
- The team revealed the State Championship banner. Above Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland point some fingers.
- The annual highlight video from Videojam's Jeff Mate' recounted some season highlights...a masterful job likely soon to be on Youtube.
- Coaches Celli, Wall, and Basteri recognized their players and handed out awards and certificates.
- Brooke Bell was announced as Boston Globe Division 2 Player of the Year. Great job, Brooke.
- Sarah McGowan was named one of four finalists for Gatorade Player of the Year. Outstanding honor to Sarah.
- Coach Celli recognized all the seven Melrose players who achieved Middlesex League all-star status.
- After explaining the lengthy process leading to captaincy selection, Coach Celli named the tri-captains for the 2013 season: Jill MacInnes, Cassidy Barbaro, and Allie Nolan. Congratulations to all.
A big thanks to the Melrose Volleyball Boosters for their support and to the Melrose community that has provided unwavering support to the program.
Tuesday, December 04, 2012
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Memories
Happy Holidays
Don Norris from the Melrose Mirror sends along a season picture of some members of the Melrose championship volleyball team styling downtown. The Melrose Mirror is a monthly publication on the net, created by the seniors at the Milano Center, and supported by the Media Lab at MIT.
Melrose volleyball has enjoyed the support of fans of all ages, including our seniors.
Melrose volleyball has enjoyed the support of fans of all ages, including our seniors.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Kayla Wyland Highlights
The latest in the series of player highlights...Kayla Wyland...from Jeff Mate'.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Breakup Dinner Coming
The Melrose Volleyball postseason banquet comes up soon, December 6, 2012 at the Montvale Plaza.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Lost in Translation
Melrose volleyball fans sometimes hear cryptic commentary about curiosities like "dinosaur digs" or Al Hrabosky. Explanations are due.
At about 50 seconds into the video, you see Hrabosky (back to the hitter), turn and ascend the mound ready to 'serve' (see Amanda Commito). Hrabosky (a.k.a. The Mad Hungarian) was the Cardinals' closer in the early 1970s.
Libero. A a libero is the backrow defense specialist, they are allowed to sub for any backrow player when the ball isn't in play without previous permission from the refs
Traditional digging drill.
Melrose's rise parallels improvements at all positions but is readily visible in the back row digging and passing, the "platform skills".
Cut shots. This is the best video I could find with instruction, although a beach video lesson. Key points are the contact, crossing the net, and landing point. The next generation of Melrose hitters can benefit from learning the cut shot.
At about 50 seconds into the video, you see Hrabosky (back to the hitter), turn and ascend the mound ready to 'serve' (see Amanda Commito). Hrabosky (a.k.a. The Mad Hungarian) was the Cardinals' closer in the early 1970s.
Libero. A a libero is the backrow defense specialist, they are allowed to sub for any backrow player when the ball isn't in play without previous permission from the refs
Traditional digging drill.
Melrose's rise parallels improvements at all positions but is readily visible in the back row digging and passing, the "platform skills".
Cut shots. This is the best video I could find with instruction, although a beach video lesson. Key points are the contact, crossing the net, and landing point. The next generation of Melrose hitters can benefit from learning the cut shot.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Lessons Relearned in 2012
We learn some of our greatest lessons not from victory, but from the inevitable setbacks that accompany sports. Here are my thoughts on lessons retaught:
1. Never underestimate the primacy of platform skills. Melrose became a very strong 'ball control' team with integrated skill in serve receive, digging, and passing.
2. The whole was greater than the sum of the parts. "The star of the team was the team." Superior blocking supports the back row, and the back row's ability to keep plays alive was never better. Better defense creates better setting chances. Players focused on not taking plays off in practice and everyone selflessly accepted their roles along the way.
3. "Good judgement comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgement." Melrose's seven seniors brought invaluable experience and leadership.
4. Serving can be a weapon. Employing Cassidy Barbaro as a designated server capitalized on the principle of "risk and reward". Aggressive serving made a critical difference in both the state semifinal and state championship.
5. Against quality opposition, balanced offense creates defensive problems. Melrose big three hitters Sarah McGowan, Rachel Johnson, and Jen Cain all produced double digit kills in the finale.
6. Good teams never quit. Against Canton, Melrose fell behind in two sets but rallied back as mental toughness complemented skill. Younger players can benefit from studying success literature such as "10 Minute Toughness" and "Way of the Champion."
7. Never underestimate foundation skills. The local infrastructure reached critical mass with summer camps, middle school volleyball, numerous area programs, Bay State Games, and players and families making tremendous year-round commitment.
8. "It takes a village." Community interest in volleyball continues to grow. Melrose fans are a presence on the road and traveled in force to Lawrence, Billerica, and Northborough.
We have much to appreciate. Happy Thanksgiving.
1. Never underestimate the primacy of platform skills. Melrose became a very strong 'ball control' team with integrated skill in serve receive, digging, and passing.
2. The whole was greater than the sum of the parts. "The star of the team was the team." Superior blocking supports the back row, and the back row's ability to keep plays alive was never better. Better defense creates better setting chances. Players focused on not taking plays off in practice and everyone selflessly accepted their roles along the way.
3. "Good judgement comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgement." Melrose's seven seniors brought invaluable experience and leadership.
4. Serving can be a weapon. Employing Cassidy Barbaro as a designated server capitalized on the principle of "risk and reward". Aggressive serving made a critical difference in both the state semifinal and state championship.
5. Against quality opposition, balanced offense creates defensive problems. Melrose big three hitters Sarah McGowan, Rachel Johnson, and Jen Cain all produced double digit kills in the finale.
6. Good teams never quit. Against Canton, Melrose fell behind in two sets but rallied back as mental toughness complemented skill. Younger players can benefit from studying success literature such as "10 Minute Toughness" and "Way of the Champion."
7. Never underestimate foundation skills. The local infrastructure reached critical mass with summer camps, middle school volleyball, numerous area programs, Bay State Games, and players and families making tremendous year-round commitment.
8. "It takes a village." Community interest in volleyball continues to grow. Melrose fans are a presence on the road and traveled in force to Lawrence, Billerica, and Northborough.
We have much to appreciate. Happy Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanks for the Memories
Giving Thanks
Followers of Melrose Volleyball have a lot for which to be thankful. Here's a look back at the past four years.
2009-2012 (Exactly 100 matches played)
Overall Record (92-8)
Home Record (48-4)
Road Record (37-1)
Neutral Record (7-3)
vs ML Teams (54-1)
vs Non-League (23-4)
Tournament (15-3)
4 ML Championships
4 D2 North Championships
1 D2 State Championship
5 Players selected to All-State teams (Brickley, Hanscom, Ziavras, Bell, McGowan)
Division 2 Player of the Year (Hannah Brickley)
Coach Scott Celli Inducted into Hall of Fame
2012 Team Records
Most games won in season (26)
Most games won regular season (21)
Most games won post-season (5)
Only Melrose team to win four sectional titles
Fewest sets lost (4)
Most players selected to Middlesex League All-Star Team (7)
Thanks for all you have done.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
MGVCA All-State Teams
Massachusetts Girls Volleyball Coaches Association published its 2012 All-State teams. We have seen a number of the players from the Division 2 roster.
Brooke Bell and Sarah McGowan are repeat selections, and the sixth and seventh players from Melrose to achieve All-State honors.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
More Championship Shots from Don Norris
Here are a smattering of some great shots courtesy of Don Norris. As you know, click the images to see the full frame.
Red Raider Nation turns out for the Lady Raiders.
_______________________________________
Courtside seating that money can't buy.
_______________________________________
No, Coach Celli can't say "missed it by that much" this season.
_____________________________________
The defense never rested in 2012.
_____________________________________
Teams succeed because of great 'habits', like covering up during attacks. Players are ready to play deflections and blocks. Here Kayla goes up for the smash.
___________________________________
Another player who had a huge playoff 2012 was Rachel Johnson who delivered a dozen kills in the title game.
______________________________________
________________________________
This is your team!
_______________________________________
_______________________________________
No, Coach Celli can't say "missed it by that much" this season.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
___________________________________
______________________________________
The thrill of victory...
________________________________
The team has just received their championship medals.
________________________________
Trophy presentation to captains.
________________________________
600 Kills of Summer (For Young Players)
Successful teams seamlessly find ways to develop existing players to become extremely productive players.
Among their top three hitters, Melrose graduates over 600 kills. But this isn't fantasy volleyball where you can carry over players into the next season. A host of current and prospective players will compete to become the next offensive core.
Using video to correct your form using smartphones or tablet cameras/apps provides contemporary players a distinct advantage. But much of player development occurs during the offseason.
"Form begets function." In this edition, young players can review proper hitting technique from superior instructors. It isn't easy. A lot of hitters take "baby steps" on their footwork and therefore cannot translate forward momentum into vertical momentum to get into optimal hitting position.
Here's an older post showing a couple of strong hitters from Melrose past with stills of the footwork.
I like this video of a three step approach where the hitter throws a ball over the net.
Slow motion video.
In this video, Gyulai shows the approach, hand position, jump position, arm swing ready position, and power generation.
Common hitting mistakes and solutions.
Using video to correct your form using smartphones or tablet cameras/apps provides contemporary players a distinct advantage. But much of player development occurs during the offseason.
"Form begets function." In this edition, young players can review proper hitting technique from superior instructors. It isn't easy. A lot of hitters take "baby steps" on their footwork and therefore cannot translate forward momentum into vertical momentum to get into optimal hitting position.
Here's an older post showing a couple of strong hitters from Melrose past with stills of the footwork.
I like this video of a three step approach where the hitter throws a ball over the net.
Slow motion video.
In this video, Gyulai shows the approach, hand position, jump position, arm swing ready position, and power generation.
Common hitting mistakes and solutions.
Op-Ed : Culture of Success
What we really celebrate today is far more than a championship. We applaud a culture of success, of demanding expectations, of refusing to accept mediocrity.
Has anyone asked the question why Melrose hasn't won a team state championship in any sport since the 1960s and why no girl's sport has previously won one?
Yes, it takes a lot of ingredients to develop a successful program in education, business, or in the more mundane world of sports. In additional to passion and tireless effort, you need to get some breaks, but sometimes you also manufacture your own luck. Pasteur put it thusly, "chance favors the prepared mind." But whenever we accept mediocrity, we cannot even hope for exceptional achievement.
I am not so delusional as to define success in terms of championships. In every race, only one winner emerges, but as a community we want to foster the message that 'best effort' matters in the classroom, on the field, and in daily endeavors that count.
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden defined success as “peace of mind, attained only through self-satisfaction and knowing you made the effort to do the best that you are capable.”
That definition doesn't mandate championship performance, but insists on relentless effort and preparation. Coach Dick Bennett instilled the pentad of passion, unity, servanthood, thankfulness, and humility in his players. Adopting those values might never win you a championship, but they create valuable people.
Applaud the achievement of the volleyball team...and examine and promote the lodestar that defines them within our students, our other teams, our citizens, and leaders.
Has anyone asked the question why Melrose hasn't won a team state championship in any sport since the 1960s and why no girl's sport has previously won one?
Yes, it takes a lot of ingredients to develop a successful program in education, business, or in the more mundane world of sports. In additional to passion and tireless effort, you need to get some breaks, but sometimes you also manufacture your own luck. Pasteur put it thusly, "chance favors the prepared mind." But whenever we accept mediocrity, we cannot even hope for exceptional achievement.
I am not so delusional as to define success in terms of championships. In every race, only one winner emerges, but as a community we want to foster the message that 'best effort' matters in the classroom, on the field, and in daily endeavors that count.
The legendary basketball coach John Wooden defined success as “peace of mind, attained only through self-satisfaction and knowing you made the effort to do the best that you are capable.”
That definition doesn't mandate championship performance, but insists on relentless effort and preparation. Coach Dick Bennett instilled the pentad of passion, unity, servanthood, thankfulness, and humility in his players. Adopting those values might never win you a championship, but they create valuable people.
Applaud the achievement of the volleyball team...and examine and promote the lodestar that defines them within our students, our other teams, our citizens, and leaders.
Net Noise
Boston Herald.
Boston Globe.
Masslive.com (Western Mass)
Free Press (updated) with best team photo and more photos
Boston Globe.
Masslive.com (Western Mass)
Free Press (updated) with best team photo and more photos
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Bracketology - Final
The ultimate validation of years of effort by players, coaches, and community support. Congratulations.
Post Game Interview - Jen Cain
Jen Cain on Boston Globe online...
According to Wicked Local, Rachel Johnson, Jen Cain, and Sarah McGowan all contributed double-digit kills in Saturday's championship match.
According to Wicked Local, Rachel Johnson, Jen Cain, and Sarah McGowan all contributed double-digit kills in Saturday's championship match.
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Photographs courtesy of Don Norris.
Melrose came in heavily favored over Longmeadow, based on rank, strength of schedule, and performance (losing only three sets all season...to Newton North). But Longmeadow remained unperturbed in taking the Lady Raiders to four sets...25-17, 24-26, 25-19, and 25-10 in their first state championship game.
Melrose got off to its customary slow start, trailing 5-2 early in a set marred by service errors by both teams. The Lady Raiders rallied to lead 6-5 and were tied at six, before going up 9-6 with a Cassidy Barbaro ace and a Sarah McGowan winner. The Lancers never got closer than two thereafter, with Melrose going up 15-10 and 19-11 en route to an easy first set win.
Sarah McGowan had three early kills and Rachel a pair.
But Longmeadow came out energized for set two and quickly assumed a 6-0 advantage forcing a time out. Melrose closed to within 6-4 on a trio of Johnson smashes, as Rachel had five kills in the frame. But Longmeadow roared out to a 14-5 edge, a hole from which even the eventual state champions couldn't recover.
Melrose chipped away and facing disaster at 23-18 and 24-21, rallied to tie the set with a Johnson kill and a Longmeadow error. But Hurwitz found the corner and a another winner gave Longmeadow a tie at one set apiece.
Melrose seemed determined to reverse their fortunes in set three, leading 3-0, 6-2, and 11-5. But most of the early points came on Lancer errors, and they rallied from 13-6 to 13-10. But even as Melrose struggled to find its footing, they never allowed Longmeadow to get closer than three, abetted by two late service errors and three Barbaro aces in the set. Melrose managed only six kills for the set, a pair apiece for Sarah, Rachel, and Jen Cain.
Just as they had a week ahead against AC, Melrose got their game faces on for set four, and steamrolled the West regional champ. Melrose led 6-1 with three quick Cain kills, and then led 10-2, 13-4, and 18-6 and the crowd knew that Melrose had staked a claim to the title. Jen Cain and the rest of the seniors took over, as Cain had five kills, with help from Sarah, setter Brooke Bell, Rachel, and Kayla who simply took over.
The back row of Amanda Commito, Jill MacInnes, and Allie Nolan kept Longmeadow from scoring and either the Melrose offense, fatigue, or the increasing pressure of trailing late saw Longmeadow hitting a lot of shots into the net.
At 24-10 a Jen Cain tip found daylight and hundreds of Melrose fans celebrated the first trip of the championship trophy to the second smallest city in Massachusetts.
Game Analysis: Senior leadership, championship expericence, and more offensive guns (McGowan, Johnson, and Cain in particular) made the difference today. Cassidy Barbaro, with another monster serving day, also played a key role.
Longmeadow gave Melrose a taste of its own medicine (deep pushes to the corners), but the Lady Raiders simply had too much after they regrouped after a second set letdown.
It wasn't always the prettiest volleyball that we had seen against Central Catholic, Westborough, and Canton. But it was more than enough to bring home the title.
Picture Perfect
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