Melrose came in seeking their tenth win of the season and a berth in the MIAA post-season tournament against the 10-1 Hornets of North Reading. About an hour later, after total domination and their best effort of the season, the Lady Raiders departed the victor with a 3-0 victory. Melrose controlled the games winning 25-11, 25-15, 25-14.
Melrose's battle against always tough Arlington Catholic prepared the Lady Raiders for the best of the Cape Ann League. Game 1 started tentatively for the locals, as they trailed 5-3, but after a North Reading error, Rachel Towle ran off five serves in a row to bring the lead to -5, and following a couple of Hornet points, Leslie Hirschfeld delivered six consecutive service points to extend the lead to 15-7 and Melrose never looked back.
Melrose's offense had the visitors on their heels, with offense coming from the flanks, led by Rachel and Lauren Howe, the middle by Nicole Glavin, and strong defense at the net with double blocks from Gina Ciccone and Hannah Brickley and individual defense by Leslie.
Melrose fell behind 2-0 in game 2, then ran off 10 in a row, behind Kelsey Quinn's serve, and a variety of spikes and kills by Hannah (3), Taylor Pearson (1) and Rachel. The Hornets responded with four points, but the Lady Raiders kicked it up a notch to go up 14-7. Later in the game Gina had a five service point run to extend the lead to 22-13. North Reading's scrambling defense just couldn't contain the Melrose offense.
Game 3 brought early competition with the score knotted at 9, with limited offense but spirited defensive rallies. Then Melrose pulled away as Taylor had a service run of eleven, with Hannah delivering another trio of kills with some pretty dinks and deflections. The Lady Raiders closed out the game with a pair of spectacular kills from Nicole as 'Glav' showed she both pound the ball and direct it as well.
Score by Games
Melrose--- 25 25 25
N. Reading 11 15 14
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