Photoessay: Melrose vs. Stoneham

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Photos courtesy of Don Norris...we put up the best of what we have.

Melrose is the second smallest city in Massachusetts, but takes pride in our Lady Raiders, who always come to play.

We should pause to reflect some of the reasons we play sports, the benefits of physical fitness, competition, learning how to function as a team. Girls who play sports tend to have better academic performance, less bone loss over time, reduced cancer risk, and lower risk of teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and delinquency.

Everyone doesn't get the same playing time on a team, but every team member has a unique and important role. Every day at practice players improve by competing with and against each other. You never know when you might be called upon because of illness or injury in a critical moment. A few years ago, All-star setter Amanda Hallett broke a shoelace against Andover in one of the greatest games in Melrose volleyball history. Reserve setter Taylor Pearson came off the bench for a few points and didn't miss a play, with Melrose defeating the Division I State finalist on their home floor.
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Sophomore Hannah Brickley is one of the shining lights for Melrose Volleyball in her second season. Kelly O'Neill is in the background. Like many volleyballers of past seasons, Hannah also plays hoop for Melrose. The volleyball and basketball teams have a friendly rivalry for bragging rights. In the past five seasons, the Lady Raiders volleyball team has been to the D2 North final in Andover four times, winning three titles and played in one State Championship. During the same period, the basketball team has gone to the Tsongas Arena for the D2 North final four times, winning two D2 North Championships allowing them to advance to the Boston Garden.
_________________________________________________________________________________Here, Hannah finishes off the "dig-set-slam" ideal.
_________________________________________________________________________________Senior Co-captain Leslie Hirschfeld gets ready to return.
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Melrose had to replace the entire back row after graduation last year. Here libero Jess Farr (red shirt), Alex Harlow (front), and Hannah prepare for serve-receive. The sophomore trio guarantees a bright future for local volleyball.
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Melrose tries to get a double block up, but doesn't get there in time for this one.
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Laura Irwin shows her power and athleticism here, preparing to spike at the net.
________________________________________________________________________________Laura has her game face on here, too.
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'Glav' flashes a winning smile afterwards.
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Colleen Hanscom runs down an errant pass to set up a teammate.
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Leslie Hirschfeld puts up a block.
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Nicole, in this candid shot, looks as though she's just gotten hit by a 'rat-tail'.
_________________________________________________________________________________Preparing for the serve (probably from Hannah), the offense prepares to become defense.
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The Lady Raider fans appreciate the hard work that the team puts in.
_________________________________________________________________________________Melrose volleyball...making memories, and some hardware now and then.