And they will move into a new gym this fall with the opening of the Melrose Middle School (above)
Workers have placed the new hardwood floor, and are preparing to hang the baskets, and stripe the courts. Word has it that seating capacity will be about 900, which should be perfect for hosting high school sporting events and we hope some regional tournament games._________________________________________________________________________________
Melrose will combine a potent group of senior talent like Gina Ciccone, Lauren Howe, Leslie Hirschfeld, and Nicole Glavin with promising younger hitters like Hannah Brickley and Laura Irwin. Bridging the two will be Colleen Hanscom who will likely step in as setter for Coach Scott Celli.
Captains Hirschfeld, Howe, and Ciccone (L to R) will look to get back to the Division II North Chempionship Finals for the fifth consecutive year.__________________________________________________________________________________
Winning volleyball demands defensive consistency and powerful hitting. Melrose will try to develop the hitting power capable of bringing the Middlesex League title back to Melrose. Sophomore Laura Irwin (above) has the potential to be the next power outside hitter in the Melrose tradition._________________________________________________________________________________
Coach Scott Celli's squad will have plenty of opportunities throughout the lineup following some key losses to graduation. But the V-ballers have identified and developed new talent annually and expect to enjoy continued success, aided by school support and grounded in a winning tradition.
