Two legacy programs faced off in the sweltering Veterans Memorial Middle School gym and Melrose combined stout defense and consistent offense to take down one of the top ten programs in the state.
Melrose led early 10-5 and was never headed in the first frame. Strong play and leadership from the senior captains - Lily Fitzgerald, Jill Mercer, Saoirse Connolly, and Lydia Lombardo - led a dominating effort.
The second set was little different with great work from the Kiddie Corps, Emma Randolph, Grace Davis, and Erin "chicken wing" Torpey with one-armed saves, and the defensive core of Nicole Abbott and Mary Kate Mahoney. Freshman Sam Dewey got her feet wet at opposite. Melrose had potent service and yet only one service error during the entire match.
A strong team like Notre Dame doesn't quit and forged numerous ties during the third set. Lydia Lombardo delivered four consecutive points to earn a 23-20 edge followed by a Randolph kill to put Melrose on the threshold of team history. But NDA rallied to tie the score at 24 and send the set to extras. Melrose's defense forced numerous errors and Lily Fitzgerald was immense offensively. A final NDA attack went wide and Melrose earned its first win over the 2013 and 2015 state champions.
Lady Raider Notes: No rest for the weary as the Lady Raiders are back at it tomorrow against the Wildcats at Wilmington. Co-leader in the Middlesex League, Winchester, had their NDA match yesterday rescheduled. Melrose Junior Andrew Willey filmed the game which will appear on MMTV.
The JVs also swept NDA 3-0 with a bevy of excellent performance. The cupboard is full.
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