There's more than one way to skin a cat, as the Wilmington Wildcats found out on their trip to the Middle School yesterday in a 25-12, 25-6, 25-19 win for Melrose. The victory moves Melrose to 15-1, 13-0 in the Middlesex League, once-again closing in on another Middlesex League title.
Championship volleyball teams rely on consistency - a consistent approach, communication and coordination, preparation, and relentless aggression. Melrose creeps closer to that goal, with week by week improvement. The Lady Raiders have been spearheaded by an experienced back row, but the young guns in the front row are getting there...
Melrose got off to a quick 5-1 lead, expanded it to 11-3 and was never headed in set one. They had only one service error, and got a bushel of kills, including five from junior Meri Lessing, three from freshman Victoria "V-Rex" Crovo, and a pair apiece from senior Annalisa DeBari and sophomore Marissa Cataldo.
Second set action was more of the same as Melrose led 4-1, 12-2, and 19-4 en route to a rout. Lessing hammered home another trio of kills, Crovo four, and setter Allie Nolan had three including several "twos" and a block. Freshman Cat Torpey, another part of the "Ivory-billed Woodpecker" freshman double block, administered her brand of anesthesia with a pair of late kills.
The third set was just more Reaganesque "there you go again" time, as Melrose led 4-1, 9-2, and 15-4. The highlight was an unofficial record-tying four kill run from Victoria who pounded home eight for the set but also showed her versatility with blocks and crafty tips among her career high fifteen kills. Meri got her usual double digit kills and Annalisa also added a pair.
Game notes: Melrose isn't the same team that came out of the chute in September as Friday's action marked the second consecutive outing with at least forty kills. Jill MacInnes, a legitimate candidate for All-State status at libero, delivered 33 digs, and played virtually error-free volleyball in the back row. Cassidy Barbaro had a pair of stunning 'gets' to save points on defense, and Maave Moriarty continued her quietly efficient play defensively and serving. Alyssa Abbott had another flawless day in the back row.
Melrose hosts "Senior Night" Wednesday against title hopeful Burlington. Celebrate the wonderful career of the seniors who've rung up three ML titles, three Division 2 North titles, two appearances in the State Championship, and one State title so far with more volleyball to be played.
"Don't look back, something might be gaining on you."
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