Statistics from yesterday's match via Maxpreps.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Expanded Box
Monday, October 26, 2015
Game 20 Flash: Melrose 3 Newton North 2
Melrose traveled to Newton North and emerged with an upset 3-2 win over the Division 1 powerhouse.
The win brings Melrose record to 18-2 with games remaining against Westborough and Ursuline.
A few Senior Night shots from Steve Karampalas: click to enlarge
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Game 17: Melrose 3 Wakefield 0
Melrose clinched the Middlesex League championship with a 3-0 win at Wakefield. Despite missing two of its top hitters, Hannah Mulcahey and Meg Leyne, the Lady Raiders handled Wakefield.
Melrose moved up in the standings with their win last week over AC. Bishop Fenwick topped Central Catholic yesterday 3-1 showing their strength. Inexplicably, Westborough is not included in the rankings.
Maxpreps.com combines winning percentages and strength of schedule to develop their rankings. But it's limited, too, as they omit Newton North here.
Reading, Winchester, and Burlington are in a dogfight for second place in the league.
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Stepping Stone
Years ago I examined an ICU patient, noting her 'unusual' hair, different in texture and wondered whether she might have a thyroid problem. Outside the room, the nurse sensed my confusion and said, "it's a wig." I can be wrong.
That said, we all have 'recency bias' as we judge ideas and actions through a temporal lens. Yesterday's outstanding win presents a growth and continuation opportunity. Janet Jackson sings it "what have you done for me lately?"
Melrose controlled the match throughout, bringing more weapons to the fight, hitting with intent and not settling for small ball. Trailing 7-6 in the first set, the Lady Raiders reeled off an 11-3 run and this 'gut punch' established Melrose as the better team for that match.
Volleyball reality is that coaches make adjustments, both strategic and personnel-related, that change the playing dynamic, energy, and that process and the team's response to the process inform later results.
Last night, Melrose got superior offense from Hannah Mulcahey (14 kills), Vick Crovo (13), Marissa Cataldo (10), and Meg Leyne (5). Against the lions and tigers of the local volleyball universe, you must bring guns not knives to the cat fights. Attack percentage is kills less attack errors divided by total attacks and Melrose stepped up both strategically and tactically.
Lily Fitzgerald sparkled with thirty assists, Saorsie Connolly was a model of consistency, and the back row play K-Mac (Kaitlyn MacInnes), Julia Symonds, Lydia Lombardo, and Marissa Cataldo (the Jen Cain clone) merits high praise. With the exception of Cataldo, all are underclass women.
But the whole exceeded the sum of the parts, as integrated play between the front and back rows was the difference. Getting side outs to rotate AC's big hitter to the back prevented the second coming of Kara Charrette, Fairhaven's All-Scholastic.
Melrose volleyball has succeeded for many reasons - coaching, player development through sacrifice by players and families, and internal competition. Very fine differences exist between full-time players and reserves. I am convinced that if Melrose had two teams in the league, both would finish in the top four, speaking to the exceptional work ethic of the entire squad. But the reality is that you can only play six at a time.
In 2002, premature substitution cost Melrose a set and nearly the match and Coach Celli has never allowed that to recur. In 2005, Melrose trailed 23-16 down two sets and came back to force the match to five sets in a state championship loss.
History informs the present. Internal competition defines roles. Continue to compete. "Do more to become more and become more to do more." Enjoy the victory, but carry the mindset of challenging yourselves to reach even greater achievement. Make this 'signature win' the first step. Be pleased but not satisfied.
That said, we all have 'recency bias' as we judge ideas and actions through a temporal lens. Yesterday's outstanding win presents a growth and continuation opportunity. Janet Jackson sings it "what have you done for me lately?"
Melrose controlled the match throughout, bringing more weapons to the fight, hitting with intent and not settling for small ball. Trailing 7-6 in the first set, the Lady Raiders reeled off an 11-3 run and this 'gut punch' established Melrose as the better team for that match.
Volleyball reality is that coaches make adjustments, both strategic and personnel-related, that change the playing dynamic, energy, and that process and the team's response to the process inform later results.
Last night, Melrose got superior offense from Hannah Mulcahey (14 kills), Vick Crovo (13), Marissa Cataldo (10), and Meg Leyne (5). Against the lions and tigers of the local volleyball universe, you must bring guns not knives to the cat fights. Attack percentage is kills less attack errors divided by total attacks and Melrose stepped up both strategically and tactically.
Lily Fitzgerald sparkled with thirty assists, Saorsie Connolly was a model of consistency, and the back row play K-Mac (Kaitlyn MacInnes), Julia Symonds, Lydia Lombardo, and Marissa Cataldo (the Jen Cain clone) merits high praise. With the exception of Cataldo, all are underclass women.
But the whole exceeded the sum of the parts, as integrated play between the front and back rows was the difference. Getting side outs to rotate AC's big hitter to the back prevented the second coming of Kara Charrette, Fairhaven's All-Scholastic.
Melrose volleyball has succeeded for many reasons - coaching, player development through sacrifice by players and families, and internal competition. Very fine differences exist between full-time players and reserves. I am convinced that if Melrose had two teams in the league, both would finish in the top four, speaking to the exceptional work ethic of the entire squad. But the reality is that you can only play six at a time.
In 2002, premature substitution cost Melrose a set and nearly the match and Coach Celli has never allowed that to recur. In 2005, Melrose trailed 23-16 down two sets and came back to force the match to five sets in a state championship loss.
History informs the present. Internal competition defines roles. Continue to compete. "Do more to become more and become more to do more." Enjoy the victory, but carry the mindset of challenging yourselves to reach even greater achievement. Make this 'signature win' the first step. Be pleased but not satisfied.
Friday, October 16, 2015
Game 16: Melrose 3. AC 0
Melrose's 2015 squad earned a signature win 25-19, 25-18, and 25-16 over Massachusetts' fifth ranked team, dropping AC from both the undefeated and unscored upon.
It was back to the future, duplicating the 2003 D2 North final where unheralded Melrose subdued a 22-0 AC team that had not lost a set.
Full report to follow.
It was back to the future, duplicating the 2003 D2 North final where unheralded Melrose subdued a 22-0 AC team that had not lost a set.
Full report to follow.
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Game 15: Melrose 3 Burlington 0
Melrose traveled to Burlington and emerged with a straight set 25-10, 25-14, 25-16 victory. The victory clinches a tie for the Middlesex League title with three games remaining on the league schedule.
Melrose last lost an ML contest exactly five years ago as Reading defeated the 2010 Melrose (21-3) squad at Reading.
Melrose hosts powerhouse Arlington Catholic tomorrow night at the Middle School.
The Cougars come in leading the Catholic Central League, undefeated and unscored upon, not yielding a single set this season.
Help create a terrific volleyball match coming to the top home contest remaining on the schedule. Tipoff should be about 6:00 P.M.
Melrose last lost an ML contest exactly five years ago as Reading defeated the 2010 Melrose (21-3) squad at Reading.
Melrose hosts powerhouse Arlington Catholic tomorrow night at the Middle School.
The Cougars come in leading the Catholic Central League, undefeated and unscored upon, not yielding a single set this season.
Help create a terrific volleyball match coming to the top home contest remaining on the schedule. Tipoff should be about 6:00 P.M.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
What Went Well
In sports, we always have a blend of "what went well" (success) and adversity. The demonstrated key is "doing more of what works and less of what doesn't."
Barbara Fredrickson discusses positive psychology in this cross-post. Key takeaway: our attitude literally changes our brain, almost as though software changes hardware.
Kevin Eastman is a former Celtics assistant coach who is now LA Clippers VP of Basketball Operations. He says four important words are "shoot, it ain't working." Presuming we deploy good strategy, he says "do it better, do it harder, change personnel, and then change strategy" when we encounter adversity.
Barbara Fredrickson discusses positive psychology in this cross-post. Key takeaway: our attitude literally changes our brain, almost as though software changes hardware.
Kevin Eastman is a former Celtics assistant coach who is now LA Clippers VP of Basketball Operations. He says four important words are "shoot, it ain't working." Presuming we deploy good strategy, he says "do it better, do it harder, change personnel, and then change strategy" when we encounter adversity.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Game 14: Melrose 3 Wilmington 0
Melrose defeated Wilmington 3-0 to raise its record to 12-2. Marissa Cataldo delivered 13 kills in the victory.
As the Middlesex League schedule winds down, Melrose remains with a two-game lead in the loss column.
Here's the upcoming Melrose schedule, featuring some attractive contests, beginning with a big game against Burlington tomorrow.
Here's the upcoming Melrose schedule, featuring some attractive contests, beginning with a big game against Burlington tomorrow.
Thursday, October 08, 2015
Game 12: Melrose 3 Woburn 0 and Novel Ideas for Better Volleyball
Melrose interrupted their road swing with a three-set 25-6, 25-12, 25-12 victory over Woburn. The Lady Raiders played with a lot of energy and the general level of enthusiasm in the gymnasium and on the bench definitely has increased.
The victory raises Melrose's record to 10-2 and they remain undefeated in the league. For the league to increase its competitiveness, I would recommend that each team play every team in the league ONCE (11 games) and fill out the remainder of the schedule with nine to eleven other games. If a team wanted to schedule another Middlesex League opponent again, that would remain an option and perhaps restore those stronger, traditional rivalries (e.g. Melrose-Reading). Weaker or less experienced teams could also schedule teams that might be more competitive for themselves.
Consider a Melrose schedule like this:
11 Middlesex League games
2 games (home and away) with Bishop Fenwick
2 games (home and away) with Arlington Catholic
1 game (alternating sites) with Central Catholic
1 game (alternating sites) with Ursuline
1 game (alternating sites) with Westborough
1 game (alternating sites) with Andover
1 game (second game) with Reading
That creates a twenty game schedule with at least half the games highly competitive.
Consider the NDA Schedule. They play historically strong Ursuline, Medfield, and Frontier twice. They play "legacy programs" Barnstable, Westborough, AC, Melrose, and Canton one game apiece. The players enjoy a better experience, the fans see more competitive matches, and the team is far better prepared for post-season play. Traditional rivalries are preserved and new rivalries are developed and enhanced. It's a win-win situation. Yes, Melrose would probably not have as many twenty win seasons, but that has never been a benchmark for coach Celli and his staff.
Melrose details are available here.
Division 2 rankings are here. These are incorrect as somehow Notre Dame Academy has disappeared from the rankings.
Yesterday's box score versus Woburn is here.
Tomorrow, Melrose plays Winchester (one of the stronger Middlesex League teams) at 7:00 P.M. at the McCall School (Winchester).
The victory raises Melrose's record to 10-2 and they remain undefeated in the league. For the league to increase its competitiveness, I would recommend that each team play every team in the league ONCE (11 games) and fill out the remainder of the schedule with nine to eleven other games. If a team wanted to schedule another Middlesex League opponent again, that would remain an option and perhaps restore those stronger, traditional rivalries (e.g. Melrose-Reading). Weaker or less experienced teams could also schedule teams that might be more competitive for themselves.
Consider a Melrose schedule like this:
11 Middlesex League games
2 games (home and away) with Bishop Fenwick
2 games (home and away) with Arlington Catholic
1 game (alternating sites) with Central Catholic
1 game (alternating sites) with Ursuline
1 game (alternating sites) with Westborough
1 game (alternating sites) with Andover
1 game (second game) with Reading
That creates a twenty game schedule with at least half the games highly competitive.
Consider the NDA Schedule. They play historically strong Ursuline, Medfield, and Frontier twice. They play "legacy programs" Barnstable, Westborough, AC, Melrose, and Canton one game apiece. The players enjoy a better experience, the fans see more competitive matches, and the team is far better prepared for post-season play. Traditional rivalries are preserved and new rivalries are developed and enhanced. It's a win-win situation. Yes, Melrose would probably not have as many twenty win seasons, but that has never been a benchmark for coach Celli and his staff.
Melrose details are available here.
Division 2 rankings are here. These are incorrect as somehow Notre Dame Academy has disappeared from the rankings.
Yesterday's box score versus Woburn is here.
Tomorrow, Melrose plays Winchester (one of the stronger Middlesex League teams) at 7:00 P.M. at the McCall School (Winchester).
The Power of Video
Bob Cataldo shares recent Melrose Volleyball action versus Reading with the "Coaches View" from the end zone.
Video analysis allows coaches and players to analyze both decision-making and execution on every play and forge growth via specific drills (blocking, digging, serving, etc.) and coverage changes or teaching designed for correction. For example, when double blocking the outside, the outside blocker's outside hand should slightly angle in, to keep blocks in play instead of allowing offense to 'wipe the block'.
Coaches can also rapidly do statistical analysis on digs, total attacks, attack success rate, et cetera.
Many thanks for sharing.
Video analysis allows coaches and players to analyze both decision-making and execution on every play and forge growth via specific drills (blocking, digging, serving, etc.) and coverage changes or teaching designed for correction. For example, when double blocking the outside, the outside blocker's outside hand should slightly angle in, to keep blocks in play instead of allowing offense to 'wipe the block'.
Coaches can also rapidly do statistical analysis on digs, total attacks, attack success rate, et cetera.
Many thanks for sharing.
Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Game 11: Melrose 3 Reading 0 Back on Track
Melrose traveled to Reading and emerged with a three-set win.
Melrose got balanced offense from their top four hitters including double-figure kills for Victoria Crovo and Marissa Cataldo.
The Lady Raiders limited service errors which also helped.
Melrose's win gives them a two-game lead on Winchester and Reading in the Middlesex League.
Here is the upcoming volleyball schedule for fans. From a players' standpoint, the only contest that matters is the next one.
Sunday, October 04, 2015
Middlesex League Bragging Rights in the Offing
Melrose continues its road trip at the Hawkes' Fieldhouse tomorrow at 4 P.M. to face reading.
Saturday, October 03, 2015
Game 10: Central 3 Melrose 0 Grand Central
Melrose has experienced highs and lows in its annual (and sometimes more) meetings with Central. Yesterday, Central exacted its reversal with a three-set victory in Lawrence.
These non-league games are critical to the team's development and can provide practical learning experience and inform the coaching staff about what adjustments are needed to optimize team growth.
Friday, October 02, 2015
The Reading Mandate
Michael Hyatt discusses the value of reading.
Reading helps us understand other people, their viewpoints, and motivations
Mastery of communication allows us to share critical information.
This simple activity has physiologic benefits such as lowering blood pressure. Mild reductions in blood pressure lower circulation risk and improve survival!
Our brains benefit from "neuroplasticity." We can remodel our brains into advanced age improving both brain density and connections. Good deal!
Engagement improves our knowledge, analytical and problem-solving abilities
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