Game 11: Reversal of Misfortune, Melrose 3 Central 1

Melrose rebounded from its defeat to defending State Champion Notre Dame (H) with a four set 13-25, 25-14, 25-16, 25-14 win. The victory brings Melrose to the halfway point of the season and a 10-1 record.

Melrose came in 11th ranked in Massachusetts in the 'black box' Maxpreps.com poll.

Central dominated the first set, leading in its entirety, from 2-0, to 5-1, 11-5, and 17-9. Melrose struggled in every aspect of the game from serving (four service errors) to serve receive, hitting, and passing. Central brought the perfect storm in the set and won handily.

The second set began better for Melrose as they jumped out to a 4-0 lead. But Central responded to get even at 5 and 6, then lead 8-6. The game was even at 8, 9, and 11, when Melrose ran off a 14-3 close, the set featuring four kills from Meri Lessing and a pair apiece for Marissa Cataldo and Cat Torpey. Melrose reversed the trend of scoring mostly on Central errors and took control of the match at the midway point.

Set three saw the Melrose offense get into high gear, with a possible program record eighteen kills. Melrose trailed 4-1 and 7-5, but ran off a 20-9 finish to close strong.

Meri had four kills, while Hannah Mulcahey and Victoria Crovo both added another 4, and Marissa had three. Ashley Harding came into the back row cold and played excellent defense.

The fourth set seem anti-climatic as after leading 8-7, Melrose rallied to a 17-7 advantage and Central seemed dispirited after putting forth a great effort but getting worn down. Melrose piled on another fifteen kills, with five for Hannah, three for Vick, a pair for Allie Nolan, and a couple each for Steph Crovo and Marissa. Allie Nolan had a big night on sets as well.

Game Notes: There was a lot of Sister Act, too. Younger sister Caroline joined Allie at times, Stephanie and Victoria Crovo saw a lot of action, and defenders Amanda Cain and Kaitlyn MacInnes follow the capable footsteps of sisters Jen and Jill.