Game 5: Melrose 3 Arlington 0

Melrose* traveled to Arlington looking to maintain momentum coming off its big win over Newton North. Even without Meri Lessing, unavailable with illness, the Lady Raiders pounded their way to a 25-6, 25-12, 25-7 win. The victory extends Melrose's record to 5-0.

The first set saw fourteen Melrose kills as Melrose never trailed, leading 5-1, 8-3, and 18-4 en route to a rout. Hannah Mulcahy hammered home four kills, Allie Nolan and Marissa Cataldo a pair each, and Bella Federico added three.

The Spy Ponders were within hailing distance in set two, trailing 13-10 before a 12-2 Melrose explosion put them away. Unofficially Hannah the Second added five kills.

The final stanza saw more Melrose dynamite offense with a highlight set from Victoria Crovo who fired home five kills. Melrose led 8-0 and 18-3 along the way, cruising to victory. Ashley Harding had a couple of winners.

Game Notes: Melrose had no net calls in all three games, which is a big and important improvement from earlier matches.

*Unofficial stats courtesy of Dick Collis.

Game stats from Maxpreps.com

All healthy players returned and saw action.

Meagan Leyne returned from injury and got her first varsity kill.

Amanda Cain remains among the statistical leaders in digs in Massachusetts.

Freshman Lily Fitzgerald got valuable setting experience in relief of veteran Allie Nolan and chipped in with four assists.