Winchester Preview

Melrose hosts Winchester tomorrow, seeking to extend its seven match win streak.

Winchester has already defined itself as the most successful expansion team in Middlesex League volleyball. Although a complete record is not available at the time of writing, the Sachems are likely to have a 7-2 record coming in, with losses to Reading and (presumably) Lexington.

The word is that Winchester brought in college coaches for fundamental instruction before embarking on league entry. We can only hope for equivalent enthusiasm around the league.

Melrose needs to improve its overall efficiency with this week's games and avoid looking too far ahead as they face Massachusetts' third ranked team Monday at Central Catholic.

What do the Lady Raiders need to refine as the season progresses?

• Reduce service errors. Teams with championship aspirations cannot beat themselves.
  
• Bring their hitting efficiency to peak. Excellence and aggressiveness go hand in hand. Passive volleyball means losing volleyball...hit through or be through.
  
• Play 'A game' defense. Neither the front row (blockers) or back row have been tested at the level requiring multiple tough digs game in and game out.
  

What we do know is that this team has already established its identity and that the challenge ahead means raising their game from the opening serve to game point.