Westborough jumped out early with a 7-1 lead only to see Melrose storm back to square the set at 11. But the Rangers went on a 10-5 run to lead 21-16 and Melrose never got closer than 3 as Melrose (unofficially) got only 7 kills in the set, led by Cat Torpey with three and Victoria Crovo with two.
The second stanza showed a similar story. Westy went up 7-2 and 12-5 and Melrose struggled to climb uphill. The Lady Raiders got as close as 13-9 but Westborough again shut down the Melrose offense as only Victoria mustered a pair of kills.
Set three saw Melrose come to life, again trailing early 5-0. Westborough widened its lead to 10-3 but errors allowed Melrose to come back, along with more steady play from the hosts. Trailing 15-9, Melrose went on a 7-2 run to get within a point at 17-16. Trailing 19-16 Melrose won five of six points to lead 21-20. Ties were exchanged at 21 and 22 before Melrose took the final three with a kill apiece from Cat and Victoria. Victoria has four kills in the frame.
Melrose may have been exhausted from the third set comeback as Westborough went into overdrive, leading 6-0, 11-3, 16-4, and 20-6. Melrose again struggled offensively against the stout Ranger defense and the Rangers finished the set at 25-9.
Box Score courtesy of Dick Collis
