First Blood

Competitors find motivation internally and externally. Sometimes it spills over.

A few years ago a Middlesex League basketball opponent put on a closing rally with two of Melrose's starters injured and the reserves on the floor in the final four minutes. Word came back that the team and their fans felt THEY were the better team in defeat.

Melrose players asked the coach for permission to play all out regardless of the score in the rematch. After about 12 minutes, Melrose led 44-12 and called off the dogs.

Another Middlesex League coach had some off-handed taunts for the volleyballers after being beaten 3-0 in an early season volleyball match. The players seethed, and used motivation from the slight to win the opening game of the rematch against a playoff-bound team 25-3.

And still another incident occurred where the players responded to a challenge to rise up in the post-season
with an outstanding performance in response to a direct challenge.

In other words, the Lady Raiders have shown the capacity to play their best against the best teams, not always in victory. But, contrary to some opinion, they have not drawn the "first blood".

Today, the team will have to play their best volleyball against Arlington Catholic to remain unbeaten. Come and support your team (JV game at 2, varsity to follow).