Lady Raiders Fall to Reading, 3-1

Melrose and Reading both came in undefeated in Middlesex League play at 4-0, with Reading's sole loss to 2005 Division I runnerup Andover. Reading fielded the size and experience advantage, while Melrose enjoyed home court advantage in "The Igloo", Roosevelt School Gymnasium The fans responded, packing the gym, with standing (and floor seat) room only as the ML's top two volleyball squads renewed their rivalry. Melrose brought a regular season winning streak of 24 games into the contest.

Melrose took the early lead, jumping out to a quick start to lead 15-8. Rachel Towle and Nicole Glavin came up big with both slams and solid blocking. But Reading continued to apply pressure, with solid back row play, feeding their setter who, as predicted, dished out sets to the flanks. Melrose hung on to win Game 1, 25-21.

Game 2 was evenly played, with neither team assuming a commanding lead. Reading's Meredith Gent had a few key blows for the Rockets, and Melrose spread around their scoring. Ultimately the Rockets delivered more offensive points (versus unforced errors) and Reading prevailed 25-23.

Game 3 remained similarly competitive, with Reading leading 11-8 before Melrose knotted the score at 13. Taylor Pearson, Melrose Weekly's "Athlete of the Work" continued to shine at setter, and the back row defense including Gina Ciccone (returning from injury), Laura Dillon, and Sam Hamel had all they could do to containing Reading's potent offense. Ultimately, it wasn't enough and Reading captured Game 3, 25-22.

Melrose continued to fend off the Rockets' offense in Game 4, taking leads of 13-10 and 21-14 on a mixture of Glavine, Towle, and Leslie Hirschfeld kills, and Rocket errors. Reading Coach Andrew Viselli took a strategic time out at 21-14, and his team responded with renewed vigor, scoring repeatedly on Melrose 'overpasses', closing the gap to 21-20. Although Melrose battled, Reading took the lead at 24-23, before the Lady Raiders were able to even it at 24. A missed serve by Melrose gave Reading the lead 25-24, and on a close call, Melrose was called for touching the net on a volley, giving Reading their first victory over Melrose in the past four meetings.

Reading's Laura Greichen was solid defensively, and they enjoyed a balanced attack. Nicole Glavin had her best performance as a Lady Raider as she rapidly gains assurance in her power game.

Although Melrose didn't come out with the victory, the game provided a good test, showed the Lady Raiders where they need to improve, and gave fans one of the more competitive regular season contests. Coach Scott Celli noted that the team continues to improve and gain valuable confidence and experience.

Melrose's team continues to improve its passing and overall coordination, and plans to use defense, serving consistency, and teamwork to full advantage this year.

Score by Games Summary

Melrose-- 25 23 22 24

Reading-- 21 25 25 26


Lady Raiders celebrate a point against Stoneham. From left, Laura Dillon (15), Sam Hamel (4), Lauren Howe, Allie Brussard (10), Nicole Glavin (13), and Taylor Pearson (1).

Faces in the Crowd. Among the full house at Roosevelt were Melrose AD Pat Ruggiero, football's Jon Needham who received a full scholarship to Duke University, Melrose's own "Back Row Boys", and basketball captains All-Scholastic Sheylani Peddy and Lynley DeAmato. We're sure the Lady Raiders appreciate the great outpouring of fan support.

Although the rivalry between Melrose and Reading has been intense, numerous Reading parents complemented Melrose's teams on their competitiveness and sportsmanship, and Melrose feels the same about the Rockets' program.