Rockets Sink Melrose, Tie for ML Lead

Melrose looked to lock up undisputed possession of the Middlesex League on Championship Friday at the Middle School. But it was Reading that dominated, superior in every way, offensively, defensively, serving, and receiving en route to a three set 25-21, 25-23, 25-21 victory. The score was not as close as the numbers indicated.

Melrose and Reading have had many memorable games, including three in 2004, sharing the ML title, and the Reading clinching victory in 2006. Few have been as one-sided as this afternoon's contest, with Reading attacking from every angle, particularly with Kasey Cameron, Olivia Healey, and Melissa Dal Pozzo.

The Rockets blasted off to a 6-2 lead, with Cameron dominating. They extended the lead to 9-3 before Melrose rallied back to tie the game at 10. But even with the tie, Melrose hadn't generated many attacks, as the serve-receive game struggled. From there, Reading ran off a 9-2 advantage to break the game open. From 24-17, Melrose narrowed the game to 24-21 before an attack went into the net. Jill Slabacheski had three kills, and Athena Ziavras and Rachel Johnson each a pair.

Game two saw Reading continue their aggressive play, and with the score 15-10 Reading, Melrose had only three kills. Melrose narrowed the margin to 19-17, and then something strange happened in the neighborhood, as a question of a scoring error occurred and the Reading lead was reset to 20-16. We had the correct score at 19-17, as did others, but the only score that mattered gave Reading a four point lead. Melrose nonetheless fought back to 21 all and 23 all, but an overpass got converted into a Melrose attack error, and Reading closed out the game 25-23. Jill had another three kills unofficially for Melrose.

Melrose came out with more consistent play, and a pair of Rachel Johnson kills with three monster blocks early. But Melrose couldn't convert the play into generalized momentum, and Reading gradually crept back after trailing 6-3. Reading tied the set at 7, and went ahead 10-9 as Melrose struggled with serve-receive. Melrose opened a lead at 13-10, but again Reading came back to tie at 15, 15, and 18, before leading 20-18. Olivia Healey had a pair of crisp attacks and a block amidst the Reading rally. Melrose narrowed the contest to 22-21 with a Johnson block and a Jen Cain ace. But Reading stabilized and ran off the final points to win 25-21.

Game analysis: The game starts with the service, and the importance of the initial pass (serve-receive). Melrose failed to execute the first pass with regularity, setting up Reading's hitters with free balls and overpasses. And for the most part, Reading converted. Melrose couldn't generate meaningful offense and lacking confidence, often elected to play 'small ball' when the score narrowed. Coaches Scott Celli and Steve Wall need to find a way to generate more energy and confidence, to build momentum going into the playoffs.