Melrose rounded the bend of the season with a road win at Burlington 25-22, 25-16, 25-22. The win qualified Melrose for the post-season as the Lady Raiders moved to 11-0 while snapping Burlington's five game win streak.
Melrose got off to a fast start and held a 17-9 edge as Burlington called a timeout. Burlington gradually fought back despite solid play from both front and back lines. Through out the match senior captains Lily Fitzgerald, Jill Mercer, Saoirse Connolly, and Lydia Lombardo delivered critical offensive and defensive plays. Burlington's defense forced Melrose to win points and the Lady Raiders obliged by maintaining aggressive play with an attack mindset. A casual Saoirse smash iced the set.
Burlington came out quicker in the second set, going up 6-3 before Melrose restored order. Emma Randolph had some big blocks against Burlington attacks, and the sophomore attackers Erin Torpey and Grace Davis seized opportunities. Meanwhile sophomore defenders Nicole Abbott and Mary Kate Mahoney held up well against Burlington pressure. Melrose took over and cruised to a 25-16 win.
The third set proved to be the most competitive as Burlington refused to go quietly into the night. Outside hitter Madison Metzdorf kept Burlington in the game with her attacks, but Melrose got stellar attacks from both Saoirse and Lydia and great setting from Lily. But with Melrose clinging to a narrow 23-22 edge, sophomore Erin Torpey delivered the two biggest kills of her career for the win.
Game Notes: During almost all the big plays, the girls 'played present' and executed. Coach Scott Celli mentioned the team's positive response to adversity as a key takeaway. Erin Torpey's growth has augmented the offense led by Connolly, Randolph, and Lombardo. I think this team has shown the greatest hitting 'intent' of any Melrose team I've seen.
A team with four viable offensive threats is hard to beat, combined with the exceptional and consistent setting of Lily Fitzgerald.
The good news for local volleyball fans isn't only the 2017 version's performance, but the noticeable improvement of play within the Middlesex League.
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