Stoneham Falls, But Reading Awaits

The Lady Raiders resumed their assault on the Middlesex and North Shore League crown today, downing Stoneham at Stoneham 3-0. The victory brings Melrose to 12-0, 8-0 in the Middlesex League.

Stoneham featured a number of powerful servers, although Melrose's serve-receive game coped well with this. Unfortunately, Melrose seemed to be looking past Stoneham for much of the first two games, scoring most of its points on Stoneham errors, rather than winners, en route to a pair of 25-14 wins in the first two games. Alex Harlow filled in capably for Gina Ciccone, who was unavailable, and Gina's absence surely contributed to some of the issues.

Melrose got their rhythm going in game 3, allowing far fewer balls to hit the floor, with better passing and a higher percentage of kills. The final score in game 3 was something like 25-9.

Among the leaders of the day, Hannah Brickley continued her outstanding contributions and Nicole Glavin had another excellent outing in her breakout season. Colleen Hanscom has used her athleticism to advantage in her inaugural season at varsity setter, and Jess Farr's work at libero has made her virtually error free.

Melrose hosts Reading tomorrow in what could be the title showdown. Last season the Rockets wrested the league title away from Melrose, and the Lady Raiders look to return the trophy to the Melrose case this season. Melrose topped Reading 3-2 earlier this season, and you can be sure that both teams will be looking to put on their best for the fans.

The Melrose-Reading rivalry has produced some terrific games through the years, Melrose beating Reading with a final game 37-35 score several years ago, Reading demolishing Melrose at the Masco jamboree, only to have Melrose rebound with a playoff Division II North semifinal victory at Reading en route to Melrose's second Division II North title. Last season, Reading stopped Melrose with a controversial five game victory at Reading with a key outside the line call (captured by the MMTV crew) turning around the momentum in Game V.