Game Summary and More

Three hallmarks of successful teams are commitment, composure, and confidence. Commitment gets you to a certain level, composure allows teams to overcome adversity, and confidence emerges from proven success. Defeat with honor helps excellent teams identify areas needing improvement and Melrose should derive confidence and refine their game for the second half of the season.

The first set saw Notre Dame run out to a 4-0 lead only to see Melrose return fire to even the score at 5, 6, 7, and 8. It was nip and tuck throughout, with a string of service errors plaguing both clubs. ND led 13-11 only to see Melrose rally to lead 14-13, followed by ties at every point to 18. The hosts led 21-18, but after trailing 23-21, Melrose got even at 23 and 24, with Meri Lessing having six first set kills, including four of the last five Melrose points. ND got the final two points to capture the critical first set, as Melrose had six costly service errors.

Notre Dame carried momentum into the second stanza, erupting to a quick 9-2 lead. Melrose struggled to get its offense in gear, but Victoria Crovo picked it up with three second set kills. The Lady Raiders got as close as 11-7, but ND pulled away. ND had numerous service errors, which I presume reflect an aggressive service style. They finished with a 14-11 run to capture the set 25-18.

Backs to the proverbial wall, Melrose responded in the third set. Tied at three, Melrose ran off six consecutive points with Meri serving, as matchups become critical, containing the opposition's hitting game. ND closed to within 10-7, but Melrose ran the lead to 18-11, and held off a late ND rally from 24-19 to win 25-22.

The offense came alive in set three, with thirteen kills, four from Hannah Mulcahey and Meri, three from Victoria and a pair from Marissa Cataldo. Excellent setting from Allie Nolan made that possible along with solid passing from the back row, including libero Amanda Cain.

Melrose started well in set four, leading 5-2 and 8-3, but the best teams never quit. ND won eight of the next ten points to lead 11-10. Scores were level at 11, 12, 16, and 18, but ND widened a lead to 22-20, before Melrose ran off three to lead 23-22 with a pair of Lessing kills and one from Allie. But the defending State Champions maintained their composure and took the final three points to emerge as winners.

Meri had another big set with five kills, Victoria had three, and Hannah added two for Melrose.

View from the Quincy Patriot Ledger:

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Notre Dame Academy 3, Melrose 1: The Cougars (9-0) followed up their big win Tuesday over Barnstable by prevailing again at home, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23. NDA was led by junior setter Corinne Cox of Duxbury (48 assists, 8 kills, 3 aces), senior captain Julia Marshall of Weymouth (12 kills, 5 aces, 6 digs) and junior outside hitter Avery Spaziani of Hingham (14 kills, 11 digs, 2 aces).

Upcoming schedule:

Next week Melrose hosts always tough Central, then goes on the road for a pair against Wakefield and Watertown.

Standings as available from Maxpreps.com

Around and About.

Lexington volleyball from WickedLocal.com.

Belmont volleyball.