'Ship' Shape, Melrose 3-0

The Melrose Lady Raiders (18-4) have played their best volleyball in the playoffs, and tonight was no exception. Hosting the Central Catholic Raiders at Stoneham, Melrose prevailed 3-0 in a thrilling match and advanced to the Division II North Championship for the fourth consecutive season.

Melrose extended their four year record to 84-11 with the victory.

Melrose defeated Central 3-0 during the regular season, as Central's star, Adrienne Boss was absent with illness. Tonight Boss was back in the lineup, with another powerful three sport star, Melissa Lucas, and a host of athletic girls from Central. But Melrose had too much, particularly in crunch time, and faces the AC-Hamilton-Wenham winner Saturday at Andover's Dunn Gymnasium.

In game one, Melrose simply dominated, with Kelsey Quinn's service a big factor, winning 25-14. Rachel Towle was on fire with a half dozen kills and the back row was stout.

Game two showed much of the same, until Central rallied, with Melrose getting more great defense, but Central working back into rallies, Boss coming on, and Melrose pulling it out 25-23.
Nicole Glavin (hitting) came up big, with help from Leslie Hirschfeld (33) and Sam Hamel (2) among others.

Game three was a barnburner, with Melrose jumping out 14-7 before the Raiders came on hard, tying the score at 17. Melrose was playing tentatively and trailed 22-20, before Nicole Glavin, stepping out of the shadows again, put on a series of smashes and dinks to save Melrose in overtime 27-25. As on Tuesday, Glavin's offense, steadiness, and decision-making was THE DIFFERENCE. Coach Scott Celli was thrilled with both the effort and the outcome, praising all the players, but noting the 'great defense' and Nicole's fantastic play down the stretch. He added that she has worked extremely hard in practice to become a top contributor to the team's success.

Game Scores:

Melrose 25 25 27

Central 14 23 25

Game analysis: Melrose was an entirely different team from the one that showed up Tuesday at Stoneham. They played with an intensity and purpose marking their desire to return to the championship arena. Melrose relied on veteran seniors Rachel Towle up front, Laura Dillon in the back, and Gina Ciccone everywhere. Rachel had her best all-around game, with many superlative digs and great passing. Setter Taylor Pearson was a 'human wading pool', as she went through half a dozen waters.

The back row of Sam Hamel, Laura Dillon, and Kelsey Quinn played simply great defense, and Leslie Hirschfeld, Freshman Hannah Brickley, and Lauren Howe added more defense and firepower up front.

Late News: Melrose (4) will face top-seeded Arlington Catholic Saturday at 4 P.M. at Andover.