Game 10: Melrose 3 Arlington Catholic 0

Taxidermy. The Lady Raiders (10-0) performed surgery on the 23rd-ranked AC Cougars, stuffing the undefeated visitors 25-7, 25-19, 25-14. The win was Melrose's tenth consecutive as Maxprep's 6th ranked squad played their most complete match of the season. AC drops to 7-1 with the defeat. 

Melrose and AC have fought some historic battles, dating from 2003, when Melrose upset the 22-0 Cougars in the D2 North Championship, sweeping a team that had not lost a set all season. 

Melrose roared out to an 11-1 lead in the first set, as Emma Randolph dominated the net with kills, tips, and stuff blocks. AC literally had to retreat off the net. But their overall excellence and consistency, led by senior captains Lily Fitzgerald, Saoirse Connolly, Jill Mercer, and Lydia Lombardo, overwhelmed the Cougars. 

The second set proved competitive as AC hung around until a tie at 17-17. But Melrose's "competitive fury" resumed control and cruised to an 8-2 closing run to take the set. 

The final set saw a resumption of Melrose control at they doubled up the visitors at 10-5 and 20-10 en route to 25-14. The back row defense led by Mercer, Lombardo, Fitzgerald, Nicole Abbott, Mary Kate Mahoney, and Erin Torpey was outstanding throughout. Grace Davis continues to expand her role as the opposite. 

Game Notes: Coach Scott Celli had high praise for Melrose's serve receive and passing that launched numerous attacks. He also lauded Erin Torpey's overall play. 

Net news. Melrose continues as one of three Middlesex League teams in the Maxpreps.com rankings. The "usual suspects" Barnstable, Newton North, Westborough, and Andover are at the top. Hamilton-Wenham emerges as a threat in the North section.