Melrose has five seniors and all have carved out important roles on this year's team...and they needed contributions from all, as well as some help from their friends.
Reading jumped out to a 5-2 lead in set one, before Melrose went on a 14-4 spree to take command. From there the Lady Raiders coasted to a dominating first set win. Meri Lessing had four kills, senior Annalisa DeBari three, Marissa Cataldo and freshman Victoria Crovo a pair apiece.
The second set saw Melrose avoid disaster after getting out to an 8-6 edge. Reading then fired off a 16-8 run where Melrose's offense went dry to go up 22-16 and 24-18 with six set points. But senior Cassidy Barbaro pounded in five consecutive service points and Melrose capitalized on some Reading errors to get even at 24. Annalisa fought off a set point with a kill at 25-24, and Victoria gave Melrose the lead at 26-25 before a Reading miscue gave Melrose the set.
Meri added another trio of kills aided by two from Victoria (a.k.a. the V-Rex) along the way. Excellent play from seniors Maave Moriarty, Alyssa Abbott, and MVP candidate Jill MacInnes spearheaded the defense.
The third set was a back and forth affair. Melrose got off to a 6-2 lead before Reading squared the match at 6, leading to ties at 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20. But Melrose again showed late set toughness reeling off five of six finishing points to stay unbeaten in the ML.
Meri added three kills and Victoria another two and Melrose benefited from five Reading service errors.
Game notes: Melrose finished up a lengthy road swing remaining perfect away from the Middle School Gym. The team reduced its service errors to four for the day, as they seek to expand their 92 percent serving percentage.
Volleyball season flies by with just three weeks remaining in the regular season schedule.
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