A new season, new uniforms, and a lot of new players, but the results haven't changed. Melrose performed a workman-like performance against an overmatched Belmont squad, coming away with a 3-0 victory.
Coach Scott Celli sent out a lineup of Athena Ziavras, Jill Slabacheski, Alyssa DiRaffaele, Brooke Bell, Jen Cain, and Rachel Johnson as his initial rotation.
Defensive specialist Amanda Commito opens the season on the DL, along with outside hitter Brittany Adelman.
Belmont got out to an early 3-0 lead as a couple of mis-hit balls (possibly related to new uniform adjustment) got the Lady Raiders off to an early deficit. But they quickly restored order, with Rachel Johnson breaking out the inaugural kill of the 2010 campaign.
After a slow start, game tied at 6, Melrose ran off an eleven point run to put the game out of reach. For the game, Melrose pounded out (unofficially) 13 kills, and only one service error, winning the opener 25-11. Athena Ziavras had 5 kills and Rachel Johnson 3 to set the pace. Sophomore Sarah McGowan and freshman Cassidy Barbaro both made their varsity debuts in the game.
Game two saw Melrose jump out early with 4-0, 9-1, and 14-2 as they put the hammer down. Athena added another 4 kills, while Jill Slabacheski provided a pair and excellent overall defense. For the game, Melrose had another dozen kills, but unfortunately 5 service errors in the 25-9 rout. Rachael Wolley, Sidney Doherty, and Maggie Moriarty also debuted on the varsity maple.
The third game saw a lot of lineup transitions and some inconsistency in the steamy Middle School gym. Jill had five kills while playing great overall volleyball throughout. Melrose led 10-8 but was never threatened, running off seven consecutive points to sink the Jolly Roger. Sarah McGowan looked particularly strong in the third game, which Melrose captured 25-13.
Game analysis: Both teams can draw a pass for some opening game butterflies, but I believe that the inability to practice in the new long-sleeved uniforms (which arrived last night) was a factor. As the players adjusted, the passing game improved. Athena and Jill both showed solid all-around games, and Jill and Alyssa passed particularly well. Brooke Bell stepped in as the floor general without skipping a beat, as Lefty moved 'effortlessly' while setting the front. And, as expected, sophomore Rachel Johnson showed instinctive blocking skills to clog up the middle. Melrose will rely on her to be the kryptonite for the opposition's middle attack.
Numerous spectators commented on the team's athleticism and quickness to the ball, which will be the team's calling card.
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