Melrose hosted Central Catholic, one of the schools with a classy and talented volleyball program. Unfortunately for Central, Melrose (14-3)brought something close to their 'A' game, stopping the visitors in three games.
Last season, Melrose narrowly ousted Central en route to the state finals, as Central, led by Junior Adrian Boss, was the second best team Melrose faced all season. Unfortunately, Boss was absent today because of illness, although Central (10-6) had won nine of their last ten in the uber-tough Merrimack Valley League.
Coming down the stretch, Coach Scott Celli has shortened his rotation, looking ahead to the playoff challenge ahead, while fine tuning both the offense and the defense. Melrose got off to a slow start in Game 1, trailing 6-1, before the tide turned as Hannah Brickley served and got even to 6. The teams battled back and forth, with Central leading 19-18. Melrose spread the points around, among Lauren Howe, who had perhaps her best game this season, Hannah, Gina Ciccone, providing her usual steadiness, and Rachel Towle.
Trailing 19-18, Melrose got a lift from a Taylor Pearson kill, sparking them to a 21-19 run before Central answered. T.P. then ran serve to 24-22, and Taylor delivered yet another kill off the set to close out the game, 25-22.
Game 2 was all Melrose, as the Lady Raiders sprinted to 6-1 and 12-3 leads. Central seemed disheartened and struggled throughout the game with their young and athletic team forced to make numerous acrobatic saves to keep play alive. Melrose took the game 25-9, with 13 kills, incluing three apiece from Rachel and Gina. Gina also chipped in a few assists from the front line, a valuable asset to versatile offense.
Central played with heart and determination in Game 3, coming back from a 7-1 deficit to 13-11. Melrose again provided twelve more kills and improving offense, with Hannah leading the way with four as the Lady Raiders prevailed 25-17.
Score by Games
Melrose-- 25 25 25
Central--- 22 9 17
Game Analysis: Winning high school volleyball develops from a pair of 'C's', consistency and confidence. The best teams have the most consistency and the best players flourish with consistency borne of athleticism, ability, and attitude.
Athletes can control only two aspects of their game, effort and concentration, and Melrose has raised their overall game both offensively and defensively as the season rolls on. More offense from the middles has created a more balanced attack, and the overall defense from libero Laura Dillon, and defenders Sam Hamel and Kelsey Quinn has greatly reduced unforced errors. Sam had her best game of the year in my opinion.
The winning attitude of the entire team gives the chance a legitimate chance once again to go deep into the MIAA playoffs.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose celebrates "Senior Night" on Tuesday, October 24th at 5 p.m. at the Roosevelt Gymnasium. Seniors Laura Dillon, Sam Hamel, Taylor Pearson, Kelsey Quinn, and Rachel Towle will play their final home game for Melrose volleyball, all having enjoyed distinguished careers individually and all having won at least one Division II sectional title, and Laura playing for a pair of Division II North winners. A big crowd could pay tribute to these terrific student-athletes.
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