Playoffs, First Round: Melrose 3 Greater Lawrence 0

Melrose advanced with its 20th win of the season with a straight set win over visiting Greater Lawrence, 25-10, 25-20, 25-3. It was the inaugural playoff experience for many of the Lady Raiders.

At times, the game lacked flow and neither team played its best volleyball.

Weston won't be returning as the D2 North champion, eliminated in the first round by always-tough Bishop Fenwick.

Fenwick-AC is the marquis game of the quarterfinals. This is reminiscent of the 2005 playoffs when Melrose faced uber-tough Central Catholic in the quarterfinals, en route to a loss in the state championship game.

The only common opponent for the Bedford Buccaneers and Melrose is Belmont, whom Bedford beat twice by 3-1 scores.

Melrose hosts Bedford Monday in the quarterfinals at the Veterans Memorial Middle School gymnasium.

Photos courtesy of Steve Karampalas. Click to enlarge a shot.