Game 8: Melrose 3 AC 0

Arlington Catholic has not always been a hospitable venue to Melrose. In 2002, AC finished Melrose's season with a 3-0 playoff defeat in the D2 North semifinals. But since then, it's been mostly Melrose, as it was today as Melrose toppled the Cougars from the ranks of the undefeated with a 25-22, 25-22, 25-17 win to move to 8-0.

AC roared out with four early points as Melrose looked to find its footing in the back. Ever so gradually, Melrose assumed control. Brooke Bell's leadership and play, despite a recent painful illness led Melrose back to ties at 4,5,6, and 7.

Once again the first set displayed Sarah McGowan's formidable skills as she drilled home seven of Melrose's fifteen kills.

From 7-7, AC struck back to lead at 12-10, 15-12, 17-15, and 20-18. But Melrose kept hammering away with strong contributions from Amanda Commito in the back, and a pair of late kills apiece from Rachel Johnson (4 kills) and Brooke Bell (2) including the final deflecting off the tape.

Melrose was service error-free during the set.

The Lady Raiders came out stronger in set two, with 5-1 and 8-3 leads, but AC rallied back with excellent setting from Victoria Reis and hitting from Allie Whitney. But with AC making a comeback at 9-7, a costly service error propelled Melrose into a rally when they took an 11-7 edge to a 21-14 lead. Coach Celli's charges never went soft, even as AC continued to apply pressure triggered from solid defense. From 22-17, AC rebounded to trail 24-22 before Rachel Johnson delivered another crushing blow to the deep corner to ice the hosts.

Sarah added another three kills, Jen Cain, Sydney Doherty, and Rachel a pair apiece.

AC burst out of the intermission with another quick 4-0 lead. Once again Melrose chipped away, coming back to trail 5-3 and 6-5 before Melrose earned ties at 7 and 8 before pulling away. The latest version of "Three Slamigos", McGowan, Johnson, and Cain unofficially delivered sixteen kills in the final stanza, six from McGowan, five for Rachel with another monster match, and four for Jen. Kayla Wyland blocked effectively and Jill MacInnes stiffened in the back row. Annalisa DeBari came on late to provide some excellent defense.

Game analysis: Melrose went into the Cougar's den and dealt with occasional adversity in a constructive manner. The small AC gym and hostile crowd presents a tough environment, but the Lady Raiders provided a double dose of mental toughness to remain unbeaten. Both teams had seven seniors battling for bragging rights today. Melrose's seniors deserve a lot of credit for their resilience.

Images courtesy of Don Norris.

The thrill of victory...
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Rachel delivers the coup de grace.
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Brooke Bell letting her teammates know how she feels.
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This shot captures the intensity of the match as Brooke and Sarah go up to block Allie Whitney.
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Jen Cain hammers away from the strong side.