Andover Exacts Revenge, 3-0, as Lady Raiders Lose 1st Time in Dunn Gymnasium

Melrose journeyed to Andover's Dunn Gymnasium to face an always tall and talented Andover Warriors squad, which defeated the Lady Raiders 3-0.

(Melrose scrambles to get into position to return serve)

Coach Scott Celli knew that Andover would be tough, going with a taller starting lineup including Nicole Glavin, Leslie Hirschfeld, and Hannah Brickley. Andover jumped out to a 6-0 lead before Melrose scored on a missed Warrior serve. Andover raced out to a 13-2 lead before Melrose could regroup to pull within 16-11, as Andover substituted. During the comeback Glavin and Brickley blocks contributed to the comeback. Hannah Brickley and Rachel Towle had solid performances in Game 1 and Leslie Hirschfeld had a couple of nice digs as Andover captured the game 25-14.

(HW contested Melrose attacks with double blocks)

Game 2 was more closely contested with the game tied at 6 before Andover ran off four points. Trailing 14-11, Melrose reeled off five consecutive points on Glavin serves before Andover kicked it up a notch to win going away 25-19. Laura Dillon sparkled in the back row in Game 2.

(Lauren Howe goes high to deliver the kill.)

Game 3 looked promising as Melrose went out to a 9-5 lead, including more Dillon digs and another five serve run by Nicole Glavin. Unfortunately, the Warriors responded like Xena, running off twelve of the next thirteen points to go up 17-10. Melrose punched back to 17-13 behind three Rachel Towle serves, but Andover's consistency gave them the victory 25-16.

(Going in or coming out, the Lady Raiders flash winning smiles.)

Game Scores

Andover 25 25 25
Melrose 14 19 16

Lady Raider Notes. Coach Celli continues to make changes, trying to field winning combinations. Melrose's back row defense improved today, but the offense continues to seek consistency in both passing and hitting as the team continues this challenging schedule equivalent to the Masters' "Amen Corner**."

Tomorrow Melrose faces another challenge against a veteran North Andover team whom Melrose beat twice last season, including the Division II North finals. The game is at North Andover.

** Many thanks to the Back Row Boys for providing a scoring summary and analysis.

Photos courtesy of Don Norris.