Game 10: Melrose 3 Ipswich 1

Melrose hosted a historically strong Ipswich team that has struggled in 2025 and emerged on top with a 25-23, 21-25, 25-15, and 25-10 win.

The win raises the Melrose record to 7-3, riding a five game winning streak. It is the first time Melrose has ever played four consecutive games without a practice. 

Melrose was in control of the first set early but the Tigers fought back and ultimately leveled the score at 23. A Sabine kill and an Ipswich error ended the scoring. 

Early on, Sabine Wenzel worked her magic (via MHS-TV sports)

The second stanza was close and Ipswich capitalized on some Melrose miscues to close out the set.

Melrose dominated the third and fourth sets. Ipswich had faced a lot of high leverage situations and seemed to lose focus under the Melrose attack. 

The offense shifted away from the middle and toward the pins with strong action from freshman Adriana Santoriello and sophomores Elise Marchais and Ella Friedlaender. 

Here's a great example of growth. Ipswich keeps the ball alive in scramble mode, Danni DiGiorgio digs one out, and Adriana makes an adjustment and scores on a two-handed push to the corner. 

Overall, the young Melrose team performed well. They almost always have either three freshmen (Adriana, Alisa, Danni) or three sophomores (Sadie Smith, Elise, and Ella) on the court.  

Melrose notes: Few moments beat the excitement of being called up to the varsity. After the game, Coach Scott Celli elevated sophomore DS Gen Overlan in a well-deserved promotion. 

The key to successful play links consistency and aggressiveness. That begins with serve-receive and the back row of libero Anna Burns, Danni, Alisa and Adriana continue to make strides.