Bits and Pieces

Many of the volleyball players have moved on to basketball season, looking to fashion new memories.

Andrea Basteri recognized freshman players.
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Jill Slabacheski comes to the dais.
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Parents are always a big part of the season, pre-season, and post-season.
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Underclassmen are always the future of Melrose volleyball.
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Take It to the Banquet

Don Norris shares his photographic expertise from the proverbial box to wire (greyhound racing term). Rather than finish the season abruptly, I'll publish some shots from time to time to try to keep the fires burning.

In Shrek, Eddie Murphy said, "everybody loves a parfait." Well, "everybody loves a victory cake."
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Anthony's always serves up a buffet-style feast.
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The young ladies always look quite different in their heels and boots.
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Parents get to enjoy a night out and celebrate their children's success.
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The Mayor came through with a matching set of Melrose Volleyball DYNASTY DRIVE signs for the gymnasium entrance.
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One of the feature events of the banquet is the naming of captains. Outgoing captain Athena Ziavras, joins this years other Captains Alyssa DiRaffaele and Jill Slabacheski, in welcoming the newest captain, Brooke Bell (she's the "economy-sized" one)...congratulations to all.

Dinner and a Movie

The Melrose volleyball program celebrated its season with a break-up dinner at Anthony's in Malden. Coach Scott Celli emceed the program, with assistance from varsity assistant Steve Wall and freshman coach Andrea
Basteri.

After a delicious buffet dinner, the coaches recognized their teams and players, and handed out some special honors. I'll review some of the highlights.

• Principal Joseph Dillon recognized the team's accomplishments. 
• Coach Celli recognized parents, players, and other contributors to the program. 
• Junior varsity player Jill MacInnes was named JV MVP on a vote of her peers.
• The JV had one of its best seasons, finishing 17-3.
• Varsity players received their letters, bars and stars (returning players/captains), MIAA Sectional championship certificates, and some season mementos.
• Coach Scott Celli thanked all of the players, recognizing their roles and accomplishments and noted that this was one of his favorite teams. 
• The coach displayed the newest 'banner', presented by the Mayor, the Melrose Volleyball "Dynasty Drive" sign to be placed at the gymnasium entrance. 
• The coaches handed out some special awards.
• Serving percentage (330/332), Brooke Bell
• Top defensive player , Rachel Johnson
• Unsung hero, Jen Cain
• Most improved, Kayla Wyland
• MVP, Athena Ziavras
• Coach's award, Athena Ziavras
• Presentation of MGVCA All-State plaque to Athena Ziavras
• Captains thank you to Athena 
• Athena's 'hail and farewell' address
• Highlight video by uber-media specialist Jeff Mate' 
• Explanation of the captaincy process, including application completion, secret ballot, and review of suitability with administration and teacher
• Naming of third captain (in addition to returning captains Jill Slabacheski, Alyssa DiRaffaele)...Brooke Bell (congratulations to Brooke)

Triple for Athena

Athena Ziavras shines on the softball diamond as well, but today she got a "triple". The Boston Herald selected the Melrose senior for their All-Scholastic team. Athena's honor complements her prior selection as Boston Globe All-Scholastic and the Massachusetts Girls Volleyball Coaches Association All-State honor.

Congratulations to Athena, her team and coaches, and family.

Props to Athena

Melrose Patch profiles graduating senior Athena Ziavras.

Realignment, Correction, and Miscellaneous*

* A weblog for Melrose players, their families, and fans. Not affiliated officially in any way with Melrose High School. All opinions contained within belong to the author. 


The Middlesex League expands to absorb the 'tons', Arlington and Wilmington. As I recall, according to Melrose sports historian Dick Collis, Melrose once had a major rivalry with Arlington. 


Here's how it will look, with Melrose playing twice against the Small Division and once against the Large schools. In some areas, Divisions are named after a prominent sports figure. One might argue for one division to be named the Bill Tighe Division. 


The structure places a huge premium on that one game with Reading, although I expect Stoneham to be very good next season with a large contingent of returnees. 


The schedule permits seven non-league games. Generally, Melrose plays Central Catholic and Arlington Catholic, so that would allow for five other games. The rivalry with Central has gained a lot of traction. Traditionally, the strength statewide has been in the South and Central, so scheduling some games there (or against D1 North power Andover or Lincoln-Sudbury) might make sense. Scott Celli does a great job with scheduling in any event. 

Large
Reading
Lexington
Belmont
Burlington
Arlington

Small
Melrose
Stoneham
Winchester
Watertown
Wilmington



As for the post-season sectional tournament semifinals, it has been changed (reason unclear why) 


2011 North vs Central 
2012 North vs West


Local volleyball priorities: optimally, having a year-round volleyball court would be great. I don't know if the small area of the Marcoux would be possible, or large enough. Presuming that isn't the case, an outdoor (sand) court at the Common might be another option. A more ambitious choice would be a "field turf" outdoor court as part of the new high school field renovation. 

Volleyball Season Wrap-up

Through our individual prisms, we make choices. We can see and celebrate that which we have accomplished or wallow in the miasma of unfulfilled dreams. Choose the former, know our reality, and aspire for something greater. Every season brings triumphs and disappointments...always has and always will.

This year Melrose Volleyball stepped back to the future, winning back-to-back Division 2 North titles for the first time since 2004, with its youngest team in many years. The saying in sports says that you have to pay your dues and that young teams must learn to win. The 2010 Lady Raiders got a discount on the dues.

As far as individual game highlights go, Melrose had big wins against Reading, perennial rival Arlington Catholic, a strong Canton team, and post-season terrific wins against North Reading and Bishop Fenwick, which played sensational defense to extend Melrose to five sets. Melrose had to rally from first and fourth set defeats, and overcome one match point en route to its fifth Division 2 North championship

Team Achievements:

• Division 2 North Championship (this team's signature win)
• Fifth Division 2 North Championship
• Eighth consecutive D2 North Championship appearance
• Middlesex League Co-Championship
• Twenty win season (21-3)
• At times, cracked Maxpreps.com top 10 Massachusetts ranking

Individual Achievements:

• Athena Ziavras, MGVCA All-State Division 2 selection, Boston Globe All-Scholastic, Middlesex League All-League (top 7 players)
• Brooke Bell, Middlesex League All-League, 3rd in Massachusetts assists (532), Fewest service errors in the history of known universe 
• Alyssa DiRaffaele, Middlesex League All-Star
• Jill Slabacheski, Middlesex League All-Star

More than anything else, Melrose volleyball is about people and tradition. The volleyball program has tradition like pregame Tootsie Pops and a willingness to upgrade the schedule to allow the team to compete at a high level in the postseason. 

The Middlesex League is getting better, with Reading always fielding a strong and dynamic team, Stoneham improving dramatically after adding Coach Viselli, Lexington working to maintain first division status, and Winchester becoming a playoff team for the second consecutive year. 

Senior tri-captain Athena Ziavras continued the long tradition of outstanding leadership and achievement on and off the court.

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Junior tri-captain Jill Slabacheski, like Athena and Brooke are in there at all times, and still smiles. 

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Junior tri-captain Alyssa DiRaffaele played strong defense and her performance at the important libero position helped spark Melrose's playoff run.

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Junior Setter Rachael Wolley presented a unique challenge. I had a lot of trouble finding a picture where she wasn't smiling. Martha Stewart might call that "a very good thing". 

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Brittany Adelman, you might call her the "X-factor". Brittany transformed herself into a full-time volleyball player, only to suffer a freak injury before the season. As a senior next season, she will bring diverse skills to compete for a big role on the 2011 team. 

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Maggie Moriarty is another Junior that will battle for time in the back row. 

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Brooke Bell has been "under surveillance", anointed the "player of the future" since elementary school. She continues to add to her skill repertoire and will eventually hold all the setting records at Melrose High School and be recognized as an All-State player. You read it here first. 

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Rachel Johnson proved to be a productive middle monster blocking force this season, in accordance with Coach Celli's expectations. Her pass to Brooke set up Athena's championship point against Fenwick. The sky's the limit for her as she works on her all-around game. 

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Sarah McGowan, another sophomore, has outstanding all-around skills. A fearless hitter at the net, you can feel the nastiness to her game. The coaches have to like that. She has the potential to be one of the top all-around players in Melrose volleyball history. 

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Kayla Wyland, another sophomore, is a lanky left-hander whose natural athleticism and length make her a great prospect. She had a big game against North Reading in the sectional semis. 

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Jen Cain is "The Quiet One". I don't think I've ever heard her say a word. She does her talking on the court though and had an outstanding season (quietly) in the back row. 

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Sydney Doherty is yet another of the Super Soph class that has a chance to go down as the greatest class in the history of Melrose volleyball. This class will have a legitimate shot to be the only one to win four sectional titles, and if they can raise their game and slay the last dragon, bring a State Title home. Sydney has good all-around skills and will compete for time at outside hitter.

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Amanda Commito is a fierce competitor who got bit by the injury bug. The defensive specialist spent virtually the entire campaign on the injured list and has the athletic potential to be an elite defender. 

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Cassidy Barbaro is one of the few freshman to make the team out of tryouts. She is a superb athlete who also has competed in gymnastics and basketball. She has a bright future ahead of her.

Rachel Ardizzoni got the post-season call up as an outside hitter. She has good timing and vertical leap, and could be another "pocket rocket" reminiscent of Lauren Howe. 

As terrific as the Lady Raiders played this season, they will likely go into next season as the underdog to repeat in the Middlesex League, banging heads with Reading. The ability of Melrose to develop the next generation of hitters will determine the outcome of Version 2011, where the North plays the West in the state semis and the Central goes up against the South, with a strong possibility of a Fairhaven-Medfield rematch. 

Medfield Wins 3-0

5th state championship is six years for Medfield.

Melrose Patch: Season Recap

Melrose Patch has its season recap. I'll have my own within the next week.

Dictionary

Trivia. "Where is the only place that success comes before work?" Obviously, the dictionary. Melrose volleyball may need more kryptonite for next season. Where can we find it? Fans of The Last Dragon know that there's only one place to find "the master".









*

Notice the "core" boxes - condition, skill, and team spirit. Winning is the synthesis of combining skill, athleticism and team spirit.

*After the twins graduated, I gave our medicine ball to Hannah...good investment!

You Can't Always Get What You Want

Although all Melrose shares the disappointment of the end of the volleyball season, we know the excitement that Fairhaven enjoys. We spoke with several of the Fairhaven fans and parents, and they were ecstatic in enjoying the experience and their first appearances in the state semifinals and state championship. We wish them well.



For Melrose, this season achieved so much and offers a great deal of optimism for the future.

Melrose is known for traveling well to road venues.
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The Lady Raiders were up against it, as Kara Charette blasted home 34 kills in the semis. Charette brings size, power, and skill to the front row and solid defense to the back row. She may be the best player Melrose has ever faced.
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Jen Cain will bring her solid defense back next year.
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You have to give the devil his due.
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More Charette with her skills and athleticism.
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Alyssa DiRaffaele with the first pass toward Brooke Bell.
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Athena attacks into the big block, with teammates at the ready.
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Kay Mullen, another tall and talented Fairhaven middle brought size to the defense. Jill blocks her here.
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Mullen and Charette combined for over 500 kills this season. Rachel blocks.
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I've heard Rachel Johnson described as a "happy kid", as well as a terrific student and volleyball player. Here there are some light-hearted moments amidst the tension.
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Coach Scott Celli did his best job in the nine years I've watched Melrose volleyball, molding a young team into a sectional champion.
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Athena on the middle attack.

Division 2 North Championship Highlights

Cameraman and producer extraordinaire Jeff Mate' (Videojam Productions) puts the magic together.

Breaking News: Ziavras Named Globe All-Scholastic

According to reliable sources, The Boston Globe named Athena Ziavras All-Scholastic in volleyball for the 2010 fall sports season.

Previous Melrose volleyballers named Globe All-Scholastics include:

• Marianne Foley 
• Karen Sen
• Paula Sen
• Hannah Brickley

Congratulations to Melrose's lone senior who had a terrific career and played exceptional volleyball throughout the regular season and the post-season. 

Dreams Deferred, Fairhaven Gets 1st Trip to Finals, 3-1

Melrose went to the state semifinals for the fifth time in eight years, and came away empty-handed thanks to a monstrous effort by Fairhaven junior middle hitter Kara Charette, who should be a candidate for Division 2 Player of the Year. Charette must have had 30 kills, en route to a 25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20 win at Newton South. The victory propels the Blue Devils into the State Championship game for the first time.

Melrose finishes a splendid season 21-3, with seven of its top eight players returning, injured players Amanda Commito and Brittany Adelman returning to full strength, and Athena Ziavras finishes a magnificent career.

Melrose got off to a characteristically slow start in game one, trailing 3-0 before the Lady Raiders responded with a pair of points. Fairhaven took the offensive behind a cluster of smashes from Charette. Melrose struggled under the burden of playing defense and scuffled at returning the jump serves of numerous Fairhaven servers. After closing to 9-7, Melrose never got closer than four, and could (unofficially) muster only five kills, four from Athena.

Set two proved to be opportunity lost, as Melrose controlled most of the game. After trailing 3-2, the Lady Raiders blew open the set with 10-4, 12-5, and 17-8 leads. But with the game at 19-11, the South champions got Charette back to the front and they made a stirring comeback to tie the game and 20 and 21. With the score tied at 21, a Fairhaven serve appeared to land several inches long, but it was called good giving Fairhaven the lead. Then with the score 23-21 Devils, a rotation error gave Melrose a comeback shot, but Fairhaven closed it out 25-22. Melrose had more offense, but still managed only half a dozen kills, led the three for Rachel Johnson.

Melrose could have gone quietly into the night after the disheartening collapse in set two. But the young Lady Raiders battled back, giving the Devils a headache behind a flurry of late kills. The game was tied at 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17, before Melrose pulled away with three Jill Slabacheski kills forcing the action to win 25-21. Melrose had double digit kills for the stanza, with three apiece for Athena, Jill, and Sarah McGowan, who through games three and four played her best volleyball of the season.

Fairhaven controlled the action for much of the fourth game, leading 2-1, 5-2, 11-5, and 16-8. Melrose responded to 18-13, but a costly service error put the Devils within 6 points of the finals. Melrose again rallied, closing to 20-16 and 22-20, with three Ziavras kills, and five by McGowan, with Slabacheski wiping the double block on the strong side. But Fairhaven simply had too much power, and appropriately, a Charette kill ended Melrose's season.

Game Analysis: Fairhaven may have come in with four losses, but they parlayed the power of Charette, with solid contributions from Kelsey Perron-Sovik and Kayli Moniz in particular to consistent and powerful offense. Melrose actually blocked fairly well, led by Rachel and Sarah, but the South champions had more powerful serves, better overall defense, and generally controlled Melrose at the net. Melrose couldn't carry aggressive play often enough because the Devils kept them on their heels with both the topspin jump serves and power from the middle.

Melrose's quest to return to the state championship gets deferred, not denied...with the team full of young players who will compete for the opportunity to represent Melrose next season.

The Kids Are Alright

The Lady Raiders (21-2) travel to Newton South tonight for a 7 P.M. semifinal match with Fairhaven. Melrose has its youngest team in recent memory, with one senior, five juniors, seven sophomores, and two freshmen. Don't hesitate to come and support your team...the kids are alright.

Photos courtesy of Don Norris. Always click to see the whole frame.

Senior tri-captain Athena Ziavras stands during player introductions.
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Although Coach of the Year last season, Scott Celli has outdone himself.
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Girls can jump, as Sarah McGowan (13) shows.
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Rachel Johnson goes high to attack.
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Athena shows her classic attack from the strong side.
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Sarah on the smash.
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It's an easy game, right?
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The celebration continues.
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Your 2010 Division 2 North Champions.
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Sister act. Samantha and Teagan congratulate sophomore sister Brooke.
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Lady Raider Captains Jill Slabacheski, Athena Ziavras, and Alyssa DiRaffaele.
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Fans and teammates in other sports share the moment.
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Three amigos....Rachel, Kayla Wyland, and Sydney Doherty pose with the hardware.