Elite Eight: Showdown at Dunn Gym Tomorrow

In Division II, we're down to the Elite Eight teams that have a chance to compete for a State Title, with Melrose and Central Catholic meeting tomorrow to advance to the Final Four. The winner meets the South sectional winner next week, the loser simply goes home. Melrose advances to the D2 North final for the fifth consecutive season, having ousted Central Catholic at some point each of the past three seasons, including a memorable quarterfinal game in 2005, when Central, seeded eighth, was clearly the second best team in the section.
Sophomore Hannah Brickley had no sophomore jinx this season or against Bedford. The Melrose Middle Hitter achieved an unusual feat this season, All-League status in the North Shore League, and led the Lady Raiders to a victory over Bedford with 17 kills and 6 blocks.
_____________________________________________________________Like Hannah, sophomore Outside Hitter Laura Irwin delivers the package on both the volleyball court and the basketball court for the Lady Raiders. Both teams benefit from the regular and post-season competition that so often has brought Melrose to title games. From left to right, Jess Farr, Gina Ciccone, Hannah, and Colleen Hanscom look on.
____________________________________________________________________Coach Scott Celli is the one constant face of Melrose volleyball. This season he garnered his 200th high school volleyball coaching win.
___________________________________________________________________Lauren Howe (6) and Kelly O'Neill are two of Melrose's defenders who played a big role in Thursday's win.
____________________________________________________________________"Good judgment comes from experience; experience comes from bad judgment." Nicole Glavin has enjoyed a breakout season thanks to athletic gifts, hard work, and good decision-making on the court this season.
___________________________________________________________________Sophomore setter Colleen Hanscom is yet another Lady Raider standout on the hardwood in both the fall and the winter. Colleen not only sets, but helps out with blocking, defending, and even spiking this season. A number of other Melrose volleyball athletes will make big contributions this winter as well, including but not necessarily limited to Siena Mamayek, Annmarie Wiesen, and Athena Ziavras.
______________________________________________________________Senior Leslie Hirschfeld squeeze a hit past the Bedford blocker. Leslie has stepped her game up in the post-season. The end-zone seats came out yesterday, revealing some of the Volleyball Championship banners in the background.
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Lady Raider Notes: Melrose faces Central Catholic tomorrow at 4 PM at Andover's Dunn Gymnasium. Melrose looks for another big win in Andover. Melrose has achieved a few breakthrough victories in Andover, the 2003 Division 2 North sectional title game against undefeated Arlington Catholic and the 2005 defeat over the Division 1 State finalist Andover Warriors are a couple.

Keys to tomorrow's game:

• Offensive aggressiveness at the net against the taller Central Catholic
• Consistency from the serve-receive game
• High percentage of first service
• Defensive challenge to every ball

The Lady Raiders deserve your support as they look to capture their fourth D2 North title. Dig it!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DON NORRIS