Melrose Lady Raiders Volleyball: Cruise Control on Towle Road, Senior Night Win 3-0

The Lady Raiders volleyball seniors played their final game at "The Igloo", Roosevelt School Gymnasium, spanking Stoneham 3-0 to hike their record to 15-3 (8-1 Middlesex League). Co-Captains Laura Dillon and Rachel Towle, setter Taylor Pearson, and defenders Sam Hamel and Kelsey Quinn all received balloons and flowers, and came out with the victory. Coach Scott Celli noted their accomplishments over four years, including all having played on championship teams.

Melrose came out fast in Game 1, sprinting to a 6-0 start on Kelsey's service, before the Spartans answered back with a quartet of points. But Melrose put up another six spot, with Rachel notching three kills in the first eight Melrose points. Stoneham narrowed the lead to 12-8, but Melrose made another run, sparked by a brilliant one-handed over-the-head save by Rachel, leading to an insurmountable 17-9 lead. Nicole Glavin came off the bench to deliver three kills down the stretch, and Melrose captured the game 25-13.

In Game 2, Melrose kept getting 'twofers', two points for each Stoneham tally, and Melrose got ahead 14-7 before lengthening the lead to 17-7. Leslie Hirschfeld made her presence felt with four kills in the game as well as strong service, and Lauren Howe fired in a couple of kills down the line from her outside spot. Melrose went out 22-11 before closing out the visitors 25-15. Stoneham played very solid defense in the game, making Melrose work hard for the victory.

Game 3 also had little suspense, with Melrose pounding the ball and leading 19-8 with three Howe slams and more kills from Rachel to expand the lead. But the unquestioned "Player of the Match" today was versatile Gina Ciccone, who had several nearly miraculous diving digs, sets from the outside and a handful of kills as she played her best match as a Lady Raider. Gina may not show up on the scoresheet, but she always shows up on game day, and usually with a 'W'. She was ably assisted by the back row defense of Laura and Sam, and as always, T.P. racked up the assists from her setter spot. Melrose substituted liberally and took the game 25-18.

Score by Games

Melrose-- 25 25 25

Stoneham 13 15 18

Game analysis: Melrose could have looked past Stoneham to their rematch with Reading Friday for a share of the Middlesex League title, but came out focused and playing their best defense of the season. Most encouraging for local fans was the improving offense from the inside hitters, Hannah Brickley, Leslie, and Nicole which will be needed against the power game of Reading and in the playoffs. The back row defense of Sam Hamel, Kelsey Quinn, and libero Laura Dillon has played its best defense recently.

Lady Raider Notes:

Thanks to the large crowd who came out to support the Lady Raiders today, and of course to uberfans Dick Collis who keeps the running scoresheet and Don Norris, the Ansel Adams of Melrose volleyball. This group of seniors has accomplished a lot, and looks forward to the most exciting part of the season.

The JV also won handily today, with everyone playing and very few balls hitting the floor. The coaches have repeatedly praised this group of players' work ethic and improvement over the course of the season.

Friday's game at Reading (location to be announced) gives the Lady Raiders a chance to either win outright or share the Middlesex League title for the fourth consecutive season. Today's win brings the past four season Melrose record to 81-10, including the playoffs, and 71-7 regular season.

Noted in the crowd today were Superintended Joe Casey, Athletic Director Pat Ruggiero, and all-everything hoop star Sheylani Peddy.

Sam I Am. Sam Hamel shows how it's done from the back row.