Lady Raiders Launch 2009 Campaign

The Melrose Lady Raiders Volleyball team launches their 2009 season tomorrow, hosting Watertown at the Veterans Memorial Middle School.

Melrose returns a senior laden team sprinkled with youthful enthusiasm with a pair of sophomores and freshmen as the program expands with the addition of a freshman program sponsored by the parents. Accomplished local player Andrea Basteri coaches the freshman squad.

Last year Melrose (20-3) lost in the Division II North finals to Central Catholic which now moves up to Division I.

This team will likely house all the record holders for Melrose volleyball, with Hannah Brickley owning the record for kills and Colleen Hanscom the ultimate record holder for assists from the setter position. Brickley is a two-time All-State middle hitter and one of the top players in Massachusetts, and returning North Shore League Player of the Year.

For those new to volleyball, every time the ball is put into play a point is scored, and this season Melrose hosts some terrific non-league opponents in perennial state champion Barnstable and archrival Arlington Catholic. AC remembers their undefeated team handed a stunning defeat by the Lady Raiders in 2003 en route to Melrose's first Division II North title.

Consider turning out to support the young ladies as they launch their season. We'll get an opportunity to see both veterans and new faces in the opener.