Game 16: Melrose 3 Burlington 0

Melrose hosted Burlington (13-4) and emerged with its sixteenth consecutive win 25-15, 25-13, and 25-19.

Melrose gains momentum as they head into Wednesday's road contest against highly regarded Westborough.

Rachel "The Rock" Johnson had a huge game in the middle dominating defensively and hammering home double digit winners (Don Norris photo).

The first set saw a slow start for Melrose with the score tied at five. But the combination of Sarah McGowan (7) and Rachel (4) in the middle caused havoc for the Red Devils, with Brooke Bell serving up some "biscuits" for her hitters. Bell continues to close in on the all-time career setting record at Melrose.

The second set saw another strong Melrose effort with an early lead, extended to 17-10 and 21-11, and punctuated by a trio of late kills from Sarah to take the set. The back row including Amanda Commito, Jill MacInnes, Allie Nolan, Jen Cain, and Cassidy Barbaro all played solidly.

Burlington continued to play well into the third set, with strong work from their back row, especially their libero. Burlington led 5-4 before a McGowan service run opened the lead to 8-5 which was extended to 11-6 and 15-8. The offense was spearheaded by Rachel, who unofficially had seven kills in the set. Jen Cain blasted in four, and Sarah had another three.

Game summary: Burlington has come a long way from an expansion team to its position as probably the third best team in the Middlesex League. Although they lack the offensive firepower to compete with the Celli-Wall bangers, their defense kept them in the game. Sarah McGowan, Rachel Johnson, and Jen Cain were Melrose's "Three Slamigos" fed by Brooke Bell. Outside Kayla Wyland, Annalisa DeBari, and Sydney Doherty brought attacks from other angles.