Self-Scouting and the Reality of Perception

Melrose has enjoyed tremendous volleyball success during the past decade with a legion of accomplishments. It is entirely fair to say that along with Central Catholic and Andover, Melrose has been one of the top three teams in the region. Within the athletic community, the volleyball program could legitimately claim to be the number one local 'brand'.

Here's the Tale of the Tape

• 10 consecutive playoff appearances
• 9 consecutive D2 North finals
• 7 All-State Players
• 6 D2 North Championships
• 3 Consecutive D2 North Championships
• 2 State Championship appearances
• 1 MIAA Sportsmanship Award
• 1 Division 2 Coach of the Year Award

All that being said, what is the perception of how Melrose plays amidst the six critical skills of volleyball: serve, dig, pass, set, attack, and block?.

Ultimately, you have to play to your personnel and the extent of offense you can generate...and a team like Marlboro had three superior hitters in Fearing, Silverman, and Scott, particularly with the versatile Fearing bringing a quality back row attack as well. 

Coach Celli has made a commitment to tough non-league games (possibly to include Bishop Fenwick, Central Catholic, Lincoln-Sudbury, and at Westborough next year) to make the team tournament ready. 

Melrose's coaching staff will work with the players to the extent permissible to improve the offense especially via self-scouting. Self-scouting allows teams to determine their tendencies (strong versus middle or weak attacks), role for back row hitting and the quick set, and so forth. Melrose returns eight players with extensive varsity playing experience and should be a favorite next year.

But as for the State Championship game, a terrific and deserving team, with great coaching, executing at critical times, clearly deserved to win.