Melrose Goes to 4-0, Tops Stoneham

I do believe in you

And I know you believe in me

Oh yeah

Oh yeah

And now we realize

Love's not all that it's supposed to be

Oh yeah, Oh yeah

And knowing that you would have wanted it this way

I do believe I'm feelin' stronger every day

--Feeling Stronger Every Day, by Chicago

The Melrose Lady Raiders took the volleyball show on the road for the third time in four outings, challenging a tough Stoneham Lady Spartan team that had defeated Dracut 3-2 the previous day. The 'Athens' of volleyball proved too much for Stoneham, a speedbump on Victory Highway, as Melrose emerged with a straight game 3-0 win to remain unbeaten (4-0 Middlesex League, 4-0 Overall).

Melrose continues to fight the illness and injury bug, as Gina Ciccone remains out and Taylor Pearson played despite feeling under the weather. Gina is a key player from last year's 24-1 team, and many regard her as underrated for her overall play. Taylor fills Amanda Hallett's big shoes, Hallett holding Melrose's single season assist record at setter. But with illness comes opportunity, and many players stepped up to fill the gap and perform admirably.

Melrose and Stoneham contested Game 1 hotly throughout. Melrose led 11-10 on the strength of some acrobatic kills from Lauren Howe from the outside, but Stoneham came roaring back to seize the lead 19-17. Melrose had good fortune as Stoneham struggled from the service line in the first game. A long rally ensued with Melrose capturing the pint and regamining the serve. Leslie Hirschfeld served up to 24-20, but again Stoneham would not break, knotting the contest at 24-24. Lauren Howe delivered a key blow with a strong kill to take the lead at 25-24 and a Stoneham return error gave Melrose the game. Freshman Hannah Brickley got her first varsity start and played error-free ball in the game. Nicole Glavin also added solid blocking and hitting from the middle.

Game 2 seemed destined to be under Melrose control, as they raced out to a 12-6 lead, sparked by thunderous smashes from the outside by Rachel Towle. Melrose held the lead at 14-8 before their hosts rallied to bring it to 14-11 before another Glavin overhead triggered a run to 17-11. Never wilting, Stoneham rallied to 21-18, hefore Leslie Hirschfeld produced a monster block to give the Lady Raiders the lead at 22-18. Leslie continued her fine play with a kill for the 24th point, and another unforced error gave Melrose the win at 25-21.

The third game tested Melrose's mettle, as they trailed 8-3 before Coach Scott Celli took a strategic time out.. The magic wasn't immediate, as Stoneham expanded the lead to 10-3 with an exhausting rally. However, a key Melrose run, sparked by defense from Sam Hamel and Laura Dillon from the back got Melrose back to trailing 13-10. The game was not without controversy, as Stoneham mysteriously scored an 'extra' point following a 'do-over' point as the basketball hoop was out of bounds. The call energized Melrose as the burst to a 17-14 lead on some strong serves by Leslie, and at 19-17 Stoneham made a costly service into the net. At 20-17, a Nicole Glavin punished a Spartan 'overpass' with a dynamic putback, and Hannah Brickley got some varsity scorebook action with a pair of kills and a beautiful assist to Leslie to bring the game to 24-19. Yet another Stoneham unforced error ended the contest, Melrose winning 26-24, 25-21, and 25-19.

Coach Celli noted that "we played well...everyone contributed" and "nobody had a bad game." Allie Brussard got extended action in the back row as well, delivering some crisp passes and Taylor Pearson looked spent at the end from the combination of effort and illness. Kelsey Quinn has developed the reputation as Melrose's best server. Stoneham showed dramatic improvement in back row defense, but demonstrated inconsistent offense.

As the season progresses, Melrose has shown service consistency that some other Melrose teams struggled to achieve, improving toughness at the net, and the hallmark of Melrose Volleyball, toughness and competitiveness, and the ability to deliver at key moments.

The Junior Varsity spanked the Spartans in straight games as the young Lady Raiders show a lot of athleticism and effort.

Friday brings the biggest challenge of the young season, as the always tall, always tenacious Lady Rockets invade Roosevelt School Gymnasium at 4 p.m. Coach Andrew Viselli always brings an aggressive and talented team to Melrose and the rivalry goes back years. In 2002, Melrose defeated Reading late to help qualify for the tournament. In 2004, Melrose won an epic final game 37-35 at Daffinee Gym, and beat Reading at Reading for the right to play in the Division II North Championship. In between, Reading demolished Melrose at the Masco Jamboree to go into the tournament as the favorite. Last season, Melrose turned the tables, as Reading's 'Get 'em' poster featuring a target of some Melrose standouts got turned into 'Got 'em' as Melrose grounded the Rockets twice. There's no doubt that both squads will arrive loaded for bear, looking for bragging rights and the lead in the league standings.