Young Guns

Melrose hosted Lynnfield and showed promise, defeating the Pioneers in four consecutive sets. The team showed proficiency in serving and serve receive, passing, and setting. Hitting and blocking were good and will improve with both practice and experience. 

Coach Scott Celli was pleased with the performance and potential of the defending Middlesex League co-champions. 

The Lady Raiders have an exceptionally young team, with two freshman, six sophomores, and four seniors. Today's action and Saturday's Medway Play Date gives players a chance to show their capacity to impact the game and make teammates better.  

Melrose got strong play and leadership from seniors Lily Fitzgerald, Saoirse Connolly, Jill Mercer, and Lydia Lombardo. 

Saoirse Connolly, Lydia Lombardo, Emma Randolph, Lily Fitzgerald, Nicole Abbott, and Mary Kate Mahoney. 

Claire Albuja, Sam Dewey, Caroline 'Kiki' Kiernan, Erin Torpey, Grace Davis, Saoirse. 

Emma,  Sam, Erin. 

Jill Mercer (file photo) 

Find your voice. The 2017 has the challenge of replacing not only the talent, but the leadership of players like Victoria (V-Rex) Crovo, Kaitlyn (K-Mac) MacInnes, and Cat Torpey. The seniors will take ownership of on court communication and leadership. 

The Chef. Setter Lily Fitzgerald performs at an elite level on multiple fronts - setting, defense, service, and attacking. 

Heated competition at libero. Melrose has a plethora of talented back row players, led by Jill Mercer and sophomores Nicole Abbott and Mary Kate Mahoney. Both Jill and Nicole played high consistency at libero. 

Front row. Saoirse returns in the middle with Lydia on the outside. Sophomore hitters Emma, Erin, and Grace all showed promise. 

New blood. Claire, Sam, and Caroline got their feet wet in their first varsity action. 

Old friends. Former Melrose assistant Steve Wall was one of today's officials. Alyssa Abbott, who played on Melrose's State Championship team in 2012, was on hand before returning to Fairfield for her senior year. 

Sister Act. Melrose continues the tradition of sisters in the program. Erin Torpey had a strong performance seeking to replace sister Cat, a freshman at Rivier. Nicole Abbott got a thumbs up evaluation from sister Alyssa.