In one of the toughest and most memorable opening matches in memory, Melrose traveled to Belmont and sank the Marauders 20-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-19, and 15-10 in a thrilling come-from-behind win.
Melrose started its youngest lineup ever with senior Sabine Wenzel, sophomores Sadie Smith and Elise Marchais, and an all-frosh back row initially with libero Dani DiGiorgio, and outside hitters Alisa Dautovic and Adriana Santoriello.
Melrose started slowly with a quick 5-0 deficit leading to a timeout from Coach Scott Celli. Melrose rallied back to tie at 8-8 and then slumped to 11-17 leading to a second timeout. Melrose couldn't generate much offense early and Belmont, a strong defensive team kept the ball in play more consistently than Melrose.
The second stanza started similarly with Melrose trailing 1-5 out of the box, leading to another timeout. This triggered a rally to 9-12. But the air came out of the balloon and Melrose fell behind 11-19 before limping to a second set six point setback. The hitting started to look a bit better toward the end of the frame.
Coach Celli changed up the lineup in the third stanza bringing on junior middle Maggie Shoemaker. The combination clicked early and Melrose went up 13-7 as Sabine started to heat up. Belmont took a timeout and rallied to trail by one at 14-13 with the teams trading points down the stretch. The Marauders closed to 22-21 but Melrose closed the set strong with a Sabine tip to lead 24-21 and a Shoemaker ace iced the set. This set the stage for the comeback.
Belmont didn't have a meaningful lead again. Melrose went up 6-4 and got a key kill from Dautovic to lead 10-8. From 13-10 Melrose gradually inched their lead up, highlighted by Sabine smashes en route to a 25-19 win.
Both wins and margin of victory matter for playoff seeding and Belmont looked determined to change their fortunes. But Melrose had other ideas, leading 4-2, 6-3, and 8-4 at the switch. The Marauders didn't go away, getting as close at 11-10 before Melrose ran the table to earn the 15-10 clincher with Sabine in the front row down the stretch.
Melrose Notes: For an exceptional 2025, Sabine Wenzel, a D1 commit to East Texas A&M, has to be the best player on the court. For most of the match she was, especially during the comeback.
Emme Boyer was out with an upper body injury. It is unknown when or whether she will return, creating both danger and opportunities for her teammates.
Sadie Smith had some spectacular digs off Belmont smashes in addition to her steadiness replacing All-State setter Leah Fowke. Sadie makes plays and rarely makes mistakes.
Freshman Dani DiGiorgio had an excellent first outing in the demanding position of libero. She has an excellent serve, received well, and handled "out of system" plays capably. She cut off numerous tips to short circuit Belmont's short game.
The comeback rolled simultaneously with Maggie Shoemaker's appearance in the middle. In addition to added blocking, she had several kills and solid serving.
Elise Marchais was solid both offensively and defensively on the right side. Sabrina McArt and Ella Friedlaender both contributed.
Anna Burns was solid in the back as a defender and also had key serves during the comeback.
Both freshman outside hitters gained confidence over the course of the match. They were difference makers in the fourth and fifth sets in particular, with more aggressive play and a blend of different types of serves.
Melrose opens at home Friday, hosting Wakefield.
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