Central Tops Melrose in D2 North Final

Melrose made its sixth consecutive trip to Andover's Dunn Gymnasium but came up short against a tall and athletic Central Catholic squad, losing 14-25, 25-23, 23-25, and 20-25. Melrose finishes the season 22-3, tieing the 2003 team (22-2) with 22 wins for second place behind the 24-1 2005 team. Central moves on to the State semis Thursday at Algonquin.

I have seen many of Melrose's matches since 2002 and most of the big games over that span including all six D2 North finals. I have not seen a MORE dominant overall performance than the one that Hannah Brickley put on this evening, with everything from offensive and defensive net play to digging in the back row and hitting back row consistently. Central Catholic denied this Lady Raiders team and Hannah their first championship. She has become Melrose's Paul Pierce as she richly deserves a place near or at the top among the pantheon of Melrose's best athletes...ever.

Central dominated the first set despite five kills from Hannah, jumping out to an 8-3 lead before Melrose closed to 8-6. A Central run opened the lead to 13-6 and Melrose never really threatened.

Set two displayed a seesaw battle with Central usually on the long end, including leads of 19-15 and 21-16. Melrose closed to 21-18 and after a Central point, Melrose went on a spurt to lead 23-22 before the game was knotted at 23. On the next point, Hannah made a spectacular back to the net leaping reverse kill into the center of the defense for the point with Central unable to return the next point as Melrose evened sets at one. Hannah had nine kills (unofficially) in the frame, including 5 of the last 7 points.

Hannah wasn't the only one doing the lifting, as Colleen Hanscom's steadily set at championship level, Jess Farr had a wonderful game at libero, and Athena Ziavras had one of her best games. Siena Mamayek defended well at the net and overall the team played very well. Making no excuses, I noted Laura Irwin's absence with an ankle fracture as important.

Melrose had its chances in set three leading 19-15 and 21-18 before Central rallied back. In the warm gymnasium, both teams began to show wear and tear. Hannah added another incredible nine kills.

In the final game, Melrose and Central continued to battle hammer and tong with Melrose's last lead at 14-9. The Central offense wore down Melrose with versatile play from 6'2" BC scholarhip hoopster Katie Zenevitch and the crafty setting of Carolyn Eddy. Siena continued her solid defense at the net and Hannah put up another half dozen kills including the first four points.

From a technical standpoint, I have several observations. The officiating was terrible, although not necessarily against Melrose. The officials refused to call over the net, an obvious violation on numerous occasions. The line calls by one official were questionable including a key call to tie the score at 23 in the third set (in Melrose's favor) on a ball easily four inches (if not more) wide. The Central coach received a yellow card warning for protesting that call.

Additionally, the facility at Andover (the same for both teams) saw 18 balls go into the concrete overhead/rafters. I have written to the MIAA to complain about facilities before and never even received the courtesy of a reply. The MIAA should strongly consider moving the sectional finals to a gym with a higher ceiling.

Congratulations to the 2008 Lady Raiders on a memorable season. Individual honors will surely follow as well. Once again you have made us proud.