CONGRATULATIONS! 200...200...200

Congratulations to Coach Scott Celli on his 200th career coaching win...and we're not talking scrimmages and preseason, either. The Melrose Lady Raiders volleyball team capped a homestand with a 3 game victory over Belmont, to go 9-0 (6-0) Middlesex League as they complete their first pass around the league.Coach Scott Celli, assisted by Steve Wall, add more cars to Melrose's victory train...

Score by Games

Melrose 25 25 25

Belmont 7 15 18

Once again, the margin of victory allowed Melrose to play the roster, and allow the younger players to garner more valuable game experience.

Game one was a walkover, with Laura Irwin on a big service run of fourteen consecutive points (half of Marianne Foley's school record). Included in the run were six aces. Hannah Brickley dominated at the net, toying with Belmont through much of the period. Melrose had only one service error during the game as well. The serve-receive defense led by libero Jess Farr and Lauren Howe also played a vital role.

Melrose trailed 4-3 in game two before running out to an 11-4 lead. Hannah added another trio of kills as well as a host of service points.

Game three saw more fight from Belmont, with more good service from Laura, and a quartet of Hannah kills and a pair from outside hitter Nicole Glavin. Belmont got as close as 18-14 but the outcome was never in doubt.

Congratulations again to Coach Celli who built and maintained the local volleyball program to the point where it is a perennial contender for league and divisional titles, and known for its competitiveness and sportsmanship.

Alumni Note: Former Lady Raider Andrea Basteri has a tough job ahead of her as Watertown mentor, but she's up to the task.