Game 24: D2 North Quarterfinal, Melrose 3 Bedford 0

Melrose (21-3) advanced to the Division 2 North Semifinals with a straight set win over the visiting Bedford Buccaneers, 25-18, 25-20, and 25-10. The win propels Melrose into the next round Wednesday against Danvers.

Melrose started slowly, trailing early, 6-3 before gradually restoring order. Melrose trailed 14-12 but went on a massive 7-0 run highlighted by Victoria Crovo blocks and kills abetted by strongside hitting from fellow Middlesex League All-Star Hannah Mulcahey.

The second set started unevenly as well, as Melrose and Bedford battled into the middle of the set. Meg Leyne went out early with an injury, and junior Bella Federico stepped up off the bench with her biggest role to date. Melrose closed out the set aided by strong back row play from Kaitlyn MacInnes, Julia Symonds, and the all-around excellence of league MVP Marissa Cataldo. Sophomore opposite Saoirse Connolly did her best impersonation of Gina Ciccone circa 2005 mixing outstanding defense, crisp passing, and occasional hitting.

Melrose put together a dominant third set, starting quickly at 10-5 and extending the lead to 20-7 highlighted by outstanding work outside by Marissa Cataldo and solid setting by Lily Fitzgerald. Melrose cleaned up and finished as Bedford committed a service error to end the match.

Lady Raider Notes:  A large crowd enjoyed tonight's contest, including numerous volleyball alumni parents. Melrose and Danvers have only one common opponent. Melrose defeated Winchester 3-1 and Danvers eliminated the Sachems in the first round, 3-2.