Melrose has enjoyed an almost endless streak of Middlesex League dominance. Burlington upset Melrose earlier this season absent Victoria Crovo and Melrose still grabbed a share of the ML title.
But last night, Melrose traveled to Winchester only to be knocked out by an epic Sachem comeback in the fifth set.
Melrose started fast and pounded out an early 7-1 lead behind three early Crovo kills. But the Sachems responded to get ties at 7 and 8 and a 12-9 and 14-10 lead. But trailing 16-13, Melrose went to work with Victoria in the front row powering home 4 kills to go up 22-19...and finishing out the set 25-21.
Winchester would not be denied in the second set, leading 11-6 before Melrose struck back to lead 18-15. But the home team captured 10 of the final 12 points to even the score. Crovo had three kills, Lydia Lombardo and Cat Torpey a pair apiece but not enough offense to win.
Melrose exploded to a 12-3 lead in set 3 and was never seriously challenged. Lily Fitzgerald set the table with Crovo delivering double-digit kills (11) and Cat and Saoirse Connolly adding a pair in a 25-17 rout.
Once again, Winchester stole the momentum leading 14-4 and never seriously challenged despite four Crovo kills, three from Saoirse and two from Cat. Melrose got as close as 18-15, but Winchester again closed out strongly.
The fifth and final set saw an improbable finish. Melrose led early 5-0 and 11-3 with service runs from Saoirse and Jill Mercer. At 12-5, Winchester went white hot, winning the final ten points and advancing to the semifinals against Bishop Fenwick.
Effort and preparation don't always translate to championships. The team had another terrific season and congratulates Winchester as they survive and advance.
*Box score courtesy of Dick Collis.
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