Score by Games
Lexington 20 25 11 22
Melrose-- 25 22 25 25
Game 1's action showed that it would be a battle as Lexington tested Melrose with superior height, especially in the middle, with Milena Mensah and Stacey Linehan pounding away early. Rachel Towle came out golden for Melrose, with three kills in the first six points, but the game was tied at 10 and Lexington led at 14-11.
Trailing 17-14, Melrose got two key kills from Leapin' Lauren Howe, although Lexington answered to go up 18-16. Taylor Pearson took over the serve at 18-17 and ran off 4 points to get Melrose ahead by three, with kills by Gina Ciccone, Lauren, and Hannah Brickley.
Melrose went up 24-19 before a net service turned the ball back to the visitors, but Melrose closed out the match on Lexington miscues.
Incantation? No, it's the "Wall Cheer" as the Lady Raiders put up a road block over an enemy spike.
Game 2 started well for the Lady Raiders with a pair of Hannah kills, the first on a block with Gina. Then Lexington rallied for six consecutive points led by Mensah. Melrose trailed 10-4 when Melrose gradually started to regain momentum, again sparked by Taylor's serves, but Lexington, again behind Mensah got up 19-15. Gina Ciccone had a service run to put the locals on top 21-19, but Lexington found conviction and the victory scoring the final four points to close out Melrose 25-22.
Game 3 again started out with momentum for the blue and gold as they led 4-2. Once again, Mensah's height and leaping ability powered the Minutewomen. But Rachel caught fire, and delving three kills in five points, followed by a killing spree by Lauren who scored three in four points as Melrose went on top 13-6. Leslie Hirschfeld provided some key serves during this stretch.
Melrose continued to widen the lead to 20-9, and both teams substituted in preparation for the possible winning game. Melrose finished Lexington 25-11, with a couple more slams from Rachel, who led the Lady Raiders with five kills in the game.
Lexington's Coach Jane Bergin isn't one to go down without a fight, and she exhorted her troops to come back in Game 4. And once again they took the early lead, 5-2 and dominated the first half of the match leading 11-7, before a Kelsey Quinn service run brought Melrose back to lead 12-11. But Lexington rallied to go up 17-14, when Leslie came in to make a key block and kill to narrow the lead. At 18-15, Lauren put on her aerial show with another key spike, but again Lexington fought back to lead 21-18. But the Lady Raiders regained the serve, with Kelsey pounding the ball and Rachel once again coming up big in Crunch Time, with a pair of Frozen Milk slams, before Gina took a back set from Taylor and delivered a topspin into the empty middle to seal the win.
Game analysis.In something of an aberration compared with Melrose's historical middle attack, Coach Scott Celli switched up the game plan and attacked from the flanks, where Melrose overmatched taller Lexington defenders. Conversely, Lexington was unable to bring consistent pressure from the outside.
In addition to the outside hitting of Rachel, Lauren, and Gina, Melrose got stout defense from the back row of Kelsey, Sam Hamel, and Laura Dillon, who played her best game of the season at libero.
Rachel has shown the ability to bring her game to its highest level when needed most, which the entire team will do as they peak going into the playoffs. 
Rachel Towle has given Melrose powerful hitting from the outside.
Coach Celli remains pleased with the team's effort, and has committed to get the team to the highest level going down the stretch. He intends to work to maximize defensive consistency, while diversifying the offense.
Lady Raider Notes: Taylor Pearson came through with a terrific effort despite playing with a mild shoulder injury.
The JV trounced Lexington in straight games, 2-0, as Coach Steve Wall's "Baby Raiders" overwhelmed their more experienced counterparts with athleticism and team play.
Lady Raider fans have a lot to look forward to, as several of the JV players appear ready to play at the varsity level. Every Melrose championship team has had major contributions from underclassmen. Junior Gina Ciccone of this year's team represents a great example, gaining experience as the JV setter a frosh, with that ballhandling skill earning her a starting role as a sophomore on last season's 24-1 team.
Gina Ciccone spikes while Taylor Pearson looks on.
Sports brings a continual cycle of meritocracy, of maturity and renewal, as young players grow into roles as their development permits.
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