Free Press Features Volleyball in Year in Review

The Melrose Free Press features volleyball in its year in review.

Season Wrap

Click pics to enlarge.

The Lady Raiders, hosted by the Volleyball Boosters, celebrated another championship season last night at Anthony's in Malden. Coach Scott Celli emceed the event.A Melrose resident made key chain trinkets for each of the players.

Team accomplishments
1) Division 2 North Championship
2) Middlesex League Championship
3) 22-2 overall record, tied for Melrose volleyball's second most wins in a season
4) Four consecutive appearances in Division 2 North Championship game
5) 3-0 defeat of six-time consecutive Division 1 North Champion Barnstable

Individual accomplishments
Coaches All-State Division 2 Team: Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom
Boston Herald All-Scholastic: Hannah Brickley
Boston Globe Division 2 Player of the Year: Hannah Brickley
Middlesex League Player of the Year: Hannah Brickley
Division 2 Coach of the Year: Scott Celli

Middlesex League All-Stars
All-League Team
Hannah Brickley
Laura Irwin
Jess Farr
Colleen Hanscom

Second Team (Middlesex League)
Alex Harlow
Athena Ziavras

Special Team Awards
Top Server: Colleen Hanscom
Unsung Hero: Siena Mamayek
Top Defender: Jess Farr
Most Improved: Alyssa DiRaffaele
MVP: Hannah Brickley
Coach's Award: Hannah Brickley

Melrose Captains Laura Irwin, Colleen Hanscom, and Hannah Brickley

As a close observer of Melrose volleyball for the past eight seasons, I can say with some authority that this was one of Melrose's best teams, with three players among the all-time elite players in school history. Jess Farr was as good as any Melrose libero, a tall order when one considers the excellence of the Dillon sisters. Colleen Hanscom not only holds the assist records for setters, but also had remarkable defensive and offensive versatility using her height and athleticism. Hannah Brickley set the standard for Melrose volleyball with hitting records (including from the back row), passing, digging, and blocking. With three All-Scholastic and All-State team recognitions, she will be remembered as the top player in school history.

I'll proudly wear my Melrose volleyball hat, which the team presented to a number of supporters of Lady Raider volleyball.

First Look: Volleyball Banquet

The Melrose Lady Raiders held their annual break up dinner tonight. It's late, but I'll review a few highlights.

• Coach Scott Celli celebrated the accomplishments, both team and individual from the 2009 season, including Melrose's fourth D2 North Championship, and big wins over Barnstable, Canton, and Bishop Feehan.
• Coach Celli thanked Coach Wall for his many contributions.
• Players received a variety of certificates, varsity letters, bars and stars (Captains), and other recognition.
  
• Jeff Mate' (VideoJam Productions) filmed and produced a wonderful highlight video of the 2009 season.
  
• The team presented some terrific mementos, especially some great Melrose Volleyball ball caps.
• Hannah Brickley was recognized as MVP, and Brickley and setter Colleen Hanscom both received MGVCA plaques as All-State players.
• Athena Ziavras, Jill Slabacheski, and Alyssa DiRaffaele were voted captains for 2010.

A terrific night for a great group of players, coaches, and the entire Melrose Volleyball family.