Although Melrose versus Reading hasn't achieved the status of Red Sox-Yankees or Celtics-Lakers circa 1986, the top two Middlesex League volleyball teams have battled for ML supremacy almost every year. Last year the Rockets captured the ML crown, and Melrose had a chance to put the glass slipper back on today at the Marcoux Gym.
And the ladies made the fairy tale victory happen, crushing the Rockets 25-4, 25-9, and 25-14, leaving no doubt about contenders versus pretenders. From virtual box to wire, Melrose led, with Reading's only lead on the day a 1-0 start, followed by Melrose winning 24 of the next 25 points. Melrose's victory gives them a 13-0 overall record, and virtually insurmountable two game lead on Reading, with Melrose having face all of the quality ML opposition this season.
Laura Irwin had her biggest day as a Lady Raider with three first game kills, and several thunderous kills rattling off defenders reminiscent of big hitters like Erin Hudd and Karen Sen. Her partner in anti-missile technology was middle hitter Hannah Brickley who had a host of blocks and key kills that buried Reading. The first game also was dominated by a flurry of service points from Leslie Hirschfeld and Colleen Hanscom.
Game 2 was no less a rout, as Melrose led 9-0, 14-3, and 22-4, as nearly everything came up roses for the Red and White, and practically everything went wrong for Reading, including long attacks, mis-hits, and even a few whiffed hits.
Reading got a little measure of respectability in Game 3, after trailing 12-4, closing to 18-12 before Melrose put the hammer down and sent them to re-entry mode with a 4-0 run to open it to 22-12 and remove all doubt.
Everyone played well today, with Gina Ciccone's return paying dividends defensively, Hannah, Nicole Glavin, and Leslie dominating at the net, Jess Farr and Lauren Howe nearly flawless on back row defense, and Colleen racking up service points and assists.
Several observers noted that Leslie delivered the ball at the net with authority today, and that Laura Irwin stepped up her game as well. Hannah had a pair of consecutive blocks in the third stanza that kept Reading from getting any momentum.
Coach Scott Celli was ebullient after the game about his team's performance, pleased with all aspects of their performance.
Lady Raider Notes: Melrose had only two service errors on the day, and allowed very few balls to hit the floor today. Most remarkable is the progress the team has made with a core including not only the seniors who have experienced longer-term success, but with a quartet of sophomore seeing extended court time - middle hitter Hannah Brickley, setter Colleen Hanscom, Jess Farr at libero, and outside hitter Laura Irwin.
Melrose hosts Burlington Friday.
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