The Melrose senior captains - Lily Fitzgerald, Saoirse Connolly, Lydia Lombardo, and Jill Mercer - led the way. Fitzgerald has all the skill of Melrose's great setters, complemented by a thunderous serve causing problems for opposing defenders. Connolly overcame injury to remain productive, and Mercer and Lombardo contributed outstanding defense.
Melrose controlled the first set and was never challenged.
The second set saw resilient Reading provide stiff resistance, taking the lead at 17-16 in a seesaw battle. The visitors held the lead at 21-20, when Emma Randolph put the cape on and registered four consecutive kills to give Melrose a 24-21 lead. Reading got back to within two but a Rocket error ended the set and effectively the match.
Melrose held the momentum into the fourth set as Reading looked drained. The Rockets got as close as 16-12, but Melrose went on an unforgiving 9-1 run, sparked by Lily's serve with Emma at the net with Lydia an able sidekick.
The supporting cast, Erin Torpey and Grace Davis up front, Nicole Abbott and Mary Kate Mahoney in the back, was instrumental in the win.
Net News: The Junior Varsity, despite depletion from varsity promotions also won three sets. Melrose alumni players and parents were in attendance, including Marissa Cataldo and family, and the MacInnes family. Local fans also spotted Winchester Coach John Fleming and some of his team. Melrose travels to Winchester Wednesday, both teams undefeated in Middlesex League play.
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