Boston Herald Volleyball All-Scholastics

The Boston Herald reports its volleyball all-scholastics today. Props to Brooke and Sarah for their inclusion.

Banquet Photos

Courtesy of Don Norris

I'm a bit partial to the ones of the 'futures'.

Final Rankings

I don't have to agree with the Globe final rankings.

You decide for yourself. We saw Marlboro, Central, Longmeadow, L-S, Reading, Newton North, Lynnfield, North Reading, and Westborough. Westborough deserved better, probably in the top 10. Just saying.

Globe Fall All-Scholastics

Fall Boston Globe All-Scholastics are out.

Banquet Video

Great work from Jeff Mate'.  I'm still struggling with the 'dog thing'.

Full House

Montvale Plaza hosted the volleyball banquet this year.

Photo by Don Norris

Captains

Incoming and outgoing captains, left to right

Amanda Commito, Sarah McGowan, Brooke Bell, Alyssa DiRaffaele, and Jill Slabacheski

Photo courtesy of Don Norris

Who Let the Dogs Out...and More

Melrose held its annual volleyball banquet, a celebration of the present, but also of the past and the future.

The players received their letters and certificates as well as a variety of special awards. Some awards and selections come from the coaching staff, and others (e.g. MVP) come from team voting.

Coaches Scott Celli, Steve Wall, and Andrea Basteri presented and also shared a little information about what each girl contributed. I apologize in advance for any errors.

Varsity Awards:

MVP: Sarah McGowan
Coaches' Award: Brooke Bell
Unsung Hero: Rachel Johnson
Top Defender: Alyssa DiRaffaele
Top Serve Percentage: Brooke Bell
Most Improved: Jen Cain

MGVCA Division 2 All-State: Brooke Bell, Sarah McGowan
Boston Globe All-Scholastic: Brooke Bell
Boston Herald All-Scholastic: Brooke Bell, Sarah McGowan
Middlesex League All-Star: Alyssa DiRaffaele, Brooke Bell, Sarah McGowan, Jen Cain

Junior Varsity:

MVP: Shannon Tarpey
Most Improved: Kaitlin Carson

Brooke Bell rendered poetic tribute to the seniors.


I serious recommend NOT watching the whole video.

The team handed down a variety of traditions, including:

• The pre-game coordinate clap, to Kayla Wyland
• The post-game brownies, remain with Sydney Doherty
• "The Lollipops", to Jill "J-Mac" MacInnes
• The "Who Let the Dogs Out" cheer to Shannon Tarpey

Jeff Mate' produced a stunning tribute video (will probably appear on YouTube.com in the near future). 

Coach Scott Celli announced the open competition for all positions, AND named the new tri-captains based on team vote:

The 2012 captains include returnee Brooke Bell, Sarah McGowan, and Amanda Commito. 

Banquet Tonight

The end of the year breakup dinner happens tonight at the Montvale Plaza for the 2011 version of Melrose Volleyball.

General Program:

• Meet and greet
• Coaches introduction
• Buffet dinner
• Awarding of letters and certificates
• Special recognition awards to players
• Highlight video
• Naming of captains for 2012 season 

Special thanks to the 2011 senior class (Alyssa, Brittany, Jill, Maggie, Rachael), which had four consecutive 20 win seasons, three consecutive Division 2 North championships, and the most wins (88) of any four year period.  

The Big Game

Dan Krechmer's NCAA D1 observations.

More Honors for Lady Raiders

Melrose standouts Brooke Bell and Sarah McGowan both achieve All-Scholastic recognition by the Boston Herald. Congratulations on well-deserved honors.