Saturday, October 01, 2011

Catfight Saturday Redux: Melrose Hosts AC Today

Melrose and Arlington Catholic share an intense rivalry that spreads across the volleyball net to the basketball court.

Both teams have enjoyed success, both have had their moments in the big games, and numerous Melrose girls have played for their regional rivals. In fact, AC's best player during the past decade, Maria Scocca, hails from Melrose and continues to play well for Bryant.

AC is the last team to keep Melrose out of the D2 North final, handing Melrose a three-set defeat in 2002, which was the springboard to eight consecutive sectional finals for Melrose.

Melrose had one of its biggest wins in 2003 against an undefeated AC team to capture its first sectional title during the 2003-5 three-peat. AC beat Melrose during the 2004 regular season, but the upstart Dracut Middies vanquished AC with 'small ball' before losing to Melrose in the finals.

2005 had Melrose topping AC twice including a D2 semifinal victory but AC won in 2006 with Elise Caira and Scocca the main ingredients.

The inaugural Catfight Saturday saw Melrose lose the opening game in the Marcoux, but return to flatten the Cats 3-1. The super soph group led by Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, and Laura Irwin triggered the comeback win, laying the groundwork for Melrose's 2009 and 2010 sectional titles.

All of which brings us up to today's match.

AC stands in the bottom half of the Catholic Central-Large and looks to return to volleyball prominence.

Melrose (8-0) looks to gain momentum heading into its big match against Central Catholic (6th ranked in Massachusetts by Maxpreps.com). The Lady Raiders have the opportunity to prove consistence excellence by playing at a high level, defending the home court.

The JV game is scheduled for 2 PM with the varsity game to follow. It's a wonderful day to watch the girls go for number nine.

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