Semifinals Tonight

The Melrose Middle School becomes the battleground again as Melrose volleyball renews its rivalry against North Reading. The Hornets stand in the way of the ninth consecutive trip to the Division 2 North championship Saturday at Lawrence. Game time is 7 PM.

North Reading has gone 12-5 since an 0-3 start. The teams have few common opponents. Melrose beat Lynnfield during the preseason, and Bishop Fenwick and Lexington (twice) during the regular campaign.

Melrose has exceptional depth this season, and may need to use that with Rachel Johnson (134 kills) on the mend from illness, although Melrose has four players with at least 100 kills this season, Sarah McGowan, Rachel, Jen Cain, and Jill Slabacheski. Add in All-State setter Brooke Bell and Middlesex League co-MVP Alyssa DiRaffaele and Melrose delivers a potent offense.
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Melrose has enjoyed a lot of success in its terrific home venue...slaying a lot of dragons through the years.

For the postseason, Sophomore Annalisa DeBari moves up to the varsity.