Tuesday, November 06, 2018

North Quarterfinals: Kid Stuff, Melrose 3 Wayland 0

Tradition never graduates. Melrose's youth movement prevailed over gritty Wayland, 25-18, 28-26, and 25-23. It wasn't easy. 

Melrose dominated the first set led by attacks from Emma Randolph, Melrose's leading hitter. There was plenty of support from the entire cast and no nerves evident from Melrose's freshman setter, Autumn Whelan. Melrose led 24-15 and Wayland had some late momentum to narrow the gap. 

Designated server sophomore Kiki Kiernan was flawless in her role during the match. 

The second set started well for Wayland with an early 4-0 lead, before a Lady Raider timeout by Coach Scott Celli spurred a 6-0 run. But Wayland reversed the momentum and led 12-7 and 20-14 before Melrose struck back. Libero Nicole Abbott had a miraculous get in the back that Emma rescued and turned into a winner. Grace Davis and Claire Albuja proved a blocking force.

Melrose got the edge and had three set points before finally capturing the frame. Steady play from Erin Torpey, Emily Hudson, and Claire Albuja up front, and Nicole and Mary-Kate Mahoney turned the tide. 

The third set was competitive throughout with Randolph kills keeping Melrose close. Wayland led 23-22 but ran into the long arms of Emily Hudson who got a fingertip attack to roll down the net for a winner and followed it up with a block kill in the middle. Wayland went into the net for an error to send Melrose to the sectional semis Thursday. 

Lady Raider Notes

There was excellent support for both clubs tonight, especially from local fans. 

The chalk dominated tonight with a quartet of 3-0 wins. On the left side of the bracket, Middlesex League Burlington faces top seed AC. On the right, Melrose faces two-seed Lynnfield. Both games are at Stoneham. 

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