Photo Essay: Melrose Tops North Andover

The Lady Raiders have enjoyed a solid first half of the season, making the turn with eight wins and two losses amidst their toughest stretch of the regular season.

Junior Gina Ciccone goes high to deliver a kill. Gina brings a lot of experience to the Lady Raiders.

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Junior Leslie Hirschfeld uses her height to advantage spiking one back to the Knights. Getting on top of the ball presents a critical challenge for optimal hitting.

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Leslie and Gina combine for a "double block".

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Gina has served consistently since starting last season as a sophomore.

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Melrose doesn't travel alone, with great community support from parents, the "Back Row Boys", and volleyball fans.

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Senior Defender Sam Hamel digs out a North Andover spike.

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Effective play requires great coordination, communication, and teamwork. You can see the Lady Raiders focused to defend as the spike goes across the net.

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Freshman Hannah Brickley has provided vital offense and net defense for the Lady Raiders. Gina, Lauren, Laura Dillon, and Taylor Pearson prepare for action.

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From left, Leslie, Nicole Glavin, Allie Brussard, and Sam Hamel look on. That Vitamin Water must be good.

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The Lady Raiders remain close on and off the court. Here Laura Dillon gets props from Nicole Glavin.

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The team takes a breather between games. From left, Leslie (22), "L Dill", Taylor Pearson (1), Kelsey (18), and Nicole Glavin (13).

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Parental involvement means a lot in school and in sports. Taylor's Mom was Melrose's "Basketball Mother of the Year" and has supported volleyball with equal enthusiasm.

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Gina Ciccone brings intensity to the court in volleyball and basketball, as well as to the field for Melrose softball.

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Senior Kelsey Quinn is one of Melrose's best servers and defenders.

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Melrose faces always tough Lynnfield Tuesday at the Roosevelt School Gymnasium.

Photographs courtesy of Melrose's Don Norris, experienced volleyballer and USVBA official.