Melrose volleyball continues to succeed, with a combination of athleticism, ability, and attitude. Team success emerges from a combination of work, discipline, sacrifice, and selflessness. Only six players can play at a time, and coaches agonize about having to choose those who give the team the best chance to win.
Coach Scott Celli (left) and Assistant Steve Wall have created consistent winners at Melrose High School, including three consecutive Division II North Champions and this year's 11-3 squad. Coming into this season, Melrose has won at least 20 contests each of the past three seasons (including playoffs). Not bad for a regular season of twenty matches.____________________________________________
Setter Taylor Pearson replaced last year's record-setting setter Amanda Hallett seamlessly.
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Junior Gina Ciccone, a starter on last year's state finalist team, brings consistency to both the front row, back row, and the service line.
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Defender Sam Hamel brings toughness and flair to the back line.
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Co-Captain Laura Dillon knows 'Sister Act', having taken over from former MHS legend Kerry Dillon providing terrific play as libero.
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Leslie Hirschfeld has provided solid net play for the Lady Raiders in the middle.
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Melrose's tallest player, Nicole Glavin, provided key service points in the Belmont contest.
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Allie Brussard gives Melrose another option at the net and the service line.
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Lauren Howe in a reflective moment.
Game jerseys 50 dollars. Playoff tickets 6 dollars. A smile from outside hitter Lauren Howe (6)? Priceless.
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Kelsey Quinn has given Melrose powerful and consistent serves and potent back row defense this season.
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Co-Captain Laura Dillon ready to reject a Belmont offering. Dig it.
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Co-Captain Rachel Towle is Melrose's most experienced hitter, but puts up tough defense, too.
Being a good teammate counts. Here Rachel gives Gina a "low-five".
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Freshman Hannah Brickley has literally and figuratively enjoyed her breakout season as an impact player in the middle. Hannah has become a formidable blocker at midseason.
Here Hannah "hits it where they ain't", with a tricky 'dink' over the double block.
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Melrose has a long tradition of versatile multisport athletes starring on both the volleyball and the basketball court. Colleen Hanscom is the latest, making her varsity debut yesterday at setter, filling in for Taylor Pearson who sustained an injury.
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Not far away. The Class of 2010 has some terrific athletes who will contribute for years to come. Here Jess Farr bumps one back for the JV.
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Three stalwarts for the JV this season have been Colleen Hanscom (14), Allie Walsh (32) and Laura Irwin (17).
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Post 'em if you got 'em. This isn't an unknown, just the best shot we've got of sophomore Kelly O'Neill. Kelly's leadership has helped acclimate the freshmen to a winning environment.
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Alex Harlow brings a unique dimension to the JV as their only southpaw.
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Focused on contributing soon, from left, Katherine Hartigan, Liz Dellisola, Annemarie Wiesen, Devyn O'Brien, Alex Kupchaunis, Teagan Bell, and Jenny Hinkle. The Junior Varsity is an important and close part of the Melrose volleyball program.
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Photographs Courtesy of Terry Bleiler of Prestige Portraits.
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