Quarter Pole

Twenty-five percent of the volleyball season has flown by. Melrose has emerged with five wins and been tested in only one set so far, an aberration in the home opener when the team transiently lost aggressiveness but escaped self-inflicted wounds.

The Lady Raiders have a ton of senior leadership, from tri-captains Brooke Bell, Amanda Commito, and Sarah McGowan, and have gotten great play from all. Their best all-around player could be Jen Cain, who has been 'nicked up' with injury, but provides steady play throughout. Bell and McGowan give you All-State play and the attendant statistical proof.

Surprises? Jill MacInnes has stepped in at libero and played at a high level, holding down that spot as well as anyone has in the past, and Melrose has had some great libero play through the years. Sophomore Allie Nolan has stepped up serving and defending.

In the categories of 'no surprise' are the expected high level play from the front row blockers Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland, abetted by improved hitting from Rachel, who looked exceptional against Lexington.

Senior Sydney Doherty and junior Annalisa DeBari continue to slug it out for time on the outside. Both have been solid. And the reserves, who will assume a huge role in 2013 show why there's cause for optimism down the line.

The core of the team is excellence at defense and without a doubt the best passing of any Lady Raider team in the past decade. In addition to Bell's setting, the front row passing is the best since 2005, with Wyland and Cain able to function as auxiliary setters.

With the 'iron' of the schedule coming up with the privates, Westborough and Newton North, the team is in good position to build upon early momentum.

But the best part is seeing excellent team chemistry, coordination, and a lot of smiles from the players.

Division 2 standings (not rankings) from Maxpreps.com.