Play Date Gives Lady Raiders Valuable Experience

Melrose traveled to Medway today to face some of the stiffest competition it has ever met. The Lady Raiders played against a tremendous team from Kenston, Ohio, that Coach Scott Celli called, "probably the best team we have ever faced. On a good note, the next game that they played, they beat Barnstable, which hasn't lost in Division I in Massachusetts for years."

Coach Celli added, "overall, we played very well against the teams that we should handle (Ashland and Holliston). We played well against strong Medway and Lincoln Sudbury teams, even though we did not beat them on the scoreboard. We ended the day against Medfield. In that game, we played with passion, desire, and determination."

Although the Lady Raiders finished 2 and 4, the day proved most successful. Kenston exploited the Melrose youth at key positions, but as the day progressed, the girls improved in both the front and the back rows. Sophomore Hannah Brickley continues to make strides both offensively and defensively, and Melrose is working hard to develop a versatile attacking offense from both inside and outside.

Sophomore Hannah Brickley will have an important role both offensively and defensively this season.

The Lady Raiders next prepare with a couple of days of practice and scrimmage at Newton North Wednesday. Newton North always has great size and has been a dominant team in the North the past few seasons. North prsents a good tune-up for Melrose's opener next Friday at home.
Last year's team went to the D2 North finals for the fourth consecutive season. While every season brings a 'new' team, Melrose will bring youth and experience in their Drive for Five.