Game On

Melrose begins its 2012 season tomorrow against Bedford at the Veteran Memorial Middle School gymnasium. Although game time is scheduled for 530, games can start earlier as they follow the junior varsity contests that usually begin at 4:00.

The Lady Raiders come off a 23-2 season and three consecutive D2 North titles. The Lady Buccaneers qualified for the post-season in 2011 with an 8-12 record but fell to Stoneham in the first round.

Melrose returns seven seniors from their state championship finalists, including Captains Brooke Bell, Amanda Commito, and Sarah McGowan. Coach Scott Celli has often integrated younger players into the regular rotation based on ability, potential, and continuity.

McGowan and senior Rachel Johnson return in the middle, Bell is the setter, and Kayla Wyland returns at opposite. Commito is projectable at libero and junior Jill MacInnes returns as a defensive specialist. The Swiss Army knife of Melrose is hard-hitting Jen Cain, a force both at outside hitter and in the back row.

Senior Sydney Doherty competes for time on the outside and sophomore Allie Nolan competes for a spot in the defensive rotation along with Maeve Moriarty and Cassidy Barbaro.

Annalisa DeBari came up for the post-season in 2011, and junior Alyssa Abbott and sophomore Stephanie Crovo are newcomers in 2012.

Melrose returns its top three hitters from 2011 as well as setter Brooke Bell who finished among the top ten in assists in Massachusetts last year.

Become a fan of Melrose volleyball and support a group of talented, experienced, and passionate athletes who compete at the highest level.


The 2012 narrative begins tomorrow.