Melrose found more than one way to skin a cat today, with a straight set victory over the Wilmington Wildcats at the Middle School Gymnasium.
The match produced several milestones including the 1000th assist for junior setter Brooke Bell and the entire match with no service errors, a feat that no other Melrose team accomplished in the past ten years.
Melrose played consistently throughout, with improved attack efficiency from the outside, with the 'strong' side output of Jill Slabacheski, Jen Cain, Brittany Adelman, and Sydney Doherty.
The first set saw Melrose lead early, 3-1, with the Lady Raiders gradually pulling away with fifteen kills producing leads of 8-3, 13-5, and 19-7 along the way to 25-9. Brooke eclipsed 1000 assists in the set, and Jill had six kills, aided and abetted by the half dozen from Sarah McGowan.
Wilmington took the first two points in the second set, only to see Melrose run off five in a row. The Cats got within one at 5-4, but Melrose ramped up their game to lead 11-5, 14-6, and 22-10 en route to a 25-11 win. Jen and Sarah each had a pair of kills, while Brittany and Sydney both had stylish putaways down the stretch, and Syd closed out the frame with a pair of aces.
Melrose erupted to an 8-0 lead in the third behind a service run from Alyssa DiRaffaele. A Wilmington timeout reversed the Melrose fortunes to 8-5, but Melrose restored order to 13-6 and 16-7, with reserves clearing the way to victory down the stretch to 25-11. Melrose had another ten kills, including four for Sarah, three stylish attacks from Brittany, and a pair from Jill, who had a strong game at outside hitter.
Game Analysis: In addition to the accomplishments of Brooke and the team, Coach Celli brings his victory total to 294. Melrose got a confidence-builder ahead of the arrival of state power Westborough Monday which will be one of the biggest games at the Middle School since Barnstable came to town in 2009.
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