Better Days, Melrose 3-0

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
--Better Days, the Goo Goo Dolls

Melrose (7-2) traveled to North Andover to face the high-flying Knights (6-3), whom the Lady Raiders defeated in last year's Division II North final. And Melrose continued their four year streak of avoiding consecutive defeats, topping North Andover 3-0, gaining their 8th win of the year.

Melrose, searching for its identity, may have found it with a strong defensive effort. North Andover took the early lead to start Game 1, but Melrose countered to go up 8-5. From there it was back and forth with NA leading 12-11 before Hannah Brickley made a spectacular save to keep the ball alive and allow Melrose to tie the score at twelve. Melrose got a big run with Hannah serving to go up 20-13, but NA rallied back to close the game to 21-18. Some key 'dinks' by Rachel Towle and Taylor Pearson got Melrose the advantage and they closed out the game 25-22. Although a great team effort solidified the first game, individual efforts from Hannah Brickley, Rachel Towle, and Leslie Hirschfeld put the Lady Raiders over the top.

In Game 2, the Knights broke out on top 3-0 and 7-3, but Melrose hung in there, to get the score to 11-8. A North Andover net serve cost them, and Melrose knotted the score at 11. More solid net play from Rachel Towle and Lauren Howe allowed Melrose to stay close, with NA leading 19-16. Again, solid net play, trailing 21-19 allowed Melrose to dominate down the stretch to pull out the win, 25-21. Stout efforts from Rachel, Taylor, and Hannah led the way in Game 2.

Game 3 showed Melrose's growing confidence as they burst to a 5-2 lead with kills from Howe and Towle. NA tried to hang in, but a Howe kill and consecutive aces from Towle gave Melrose at 12-4 lead. The Lady Raiders never looked back from that point, with four blocks from Hannah and solid back row play by Laura Dillon spurring a 25-12 win.

Score by Games

Melrose 25 25 25
N. Ando 22 21 12

(It's about the team. Photo courtesy of Don Norris)

Game analysis (provided by the Back Row Boys). Melrose needed a win as they continue to face the iron of the North Shore League. North Andover poses defensive challenges, but lacks the size and offensive firepower of some of the other teams Melrose faces. Melrose's defense thwarted the NA offense, and better passing allowed the V-ballers to get it done.

The Lady Raiders finish the first half of the season 8-2, 4-1 in the Middlesex League, 3-0 against Cape Ann opponents, and 1-1 in other non-league tilts. Melrose has traditionally been a better second half team, as the overall team coordination improves, along with skill development in the brief but intense volleyball campaign.

Teams become champions through the assimilation of ability, athleticism, and attitude. Outstanding teams and superior players make plays during the big moments of big games. Fortune has smiled on the Lady Raiders, providing them with many such players over the years who responded in key situations. The second half of the season will provide Melrose the opportunity to shine, as they make us proud of their effort.

(Scoring and summary courtesy of Dick Collas)