Melrose-Burlington Preview

Melrose and Burlington have very different volleyball legacies. Melrose has appeared in the Division 2 North finals eight consecutive seasons, winning five, and Burlington is a newcomer to post-season play having their best season ever.

Photo by Don Norris.

In their first meeting this year, Melrose defeated Burlington 25-11, 25-16, and 25-23.  In their second encounter, Burlington proved more resilient, Melrose winning 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, and 25-13.

Burlington earns a quarterfinal appearance with a 3-0 rout of Burke in the first round, and their best two wins of the season were a pair of 3-1 wins over Stoneham. Melrose has appeared in the Maxpreps.com top 20 in Massachusetts all season, and Burlington comes in ranked 95.

However, in the Burlington Union earlier this year, coach Carolyn Crowley was quoted, “I think that playing the tougher teams really brings out the best in the team.”

Melrose has won at least one playoff game every year since 2002, with the dramatic five set comeback win over Dracut literally launching the program to prominence. The Lady Raiders look to match the 2003-2005 edition of Melrose volleyball that won consecutive Division 2 North Championships and appeared in a state championship final.

Support your team and see hard-nosed, competitive volleyball at the Middle School Gym at 7 PM Monday.