Game 14: Lost and Found, Winchester 3 Melrose 1

Former Boston radio host Ken Beatrice had a saying, "three out of four games are lost not won." This was not one as Winchester handed Melrose its first defeat 25-20, 18-25, 25-18, and 25-22. 

Winchester played superbly for most of the match, with aggressive hitting, ethereal blocking, and consistent play in the back row. 

Winchester got off to a quick 7-2 start and Melrose needed a time out. Melrose gradually battled back to 20-20, before a tough line call went against them and the Sachems closed out the set. 

Melrose Coach Scott Celli substituted freshman Emily Hudson into the front row which found Melrose a spark with added height and blocking. That helped trigger defensive intensity and got Melrose back into the match, leading to a 25-18 win. 

But Winchester rallied and resumed a relentless attack, beating the blocks and pressuring Melrose's back row of Jill Mercer, Nicole Abbott, Mary Kate Mahoney, and front row defenders Lydia Lombardo and Erin Torpey. Winchester used its superior height to hold down Melrose attackers Saoirse Connolly, Emma Randolph, and Grace Davis. 

Melrose trailed 20-11 in the third, but regained some momentum to take into the final set despite dropping the set 25-18. 

Melrose got back into the match early in the fourth with a 5-0 run but got stopped on a service violation. Winchester quickly rallied and after a tie at 16, made a spectacular dig converted into a point. They roared to 23-16 before a furious Melrose rally got Melrose back into it at 24-22. But Winchester sealed the match to the delight of their home crowd. 

As usual, setter Lily Fitzgerald provided consistent sets, but Winchester neutralized her setter dumps. She was outstanding defensively and continued to pound her serves deep into the back row. 

Overall, Winchester was the better team today, controlling the net and showing  consistency in the back row serve receive. This allowed the Sachems to generate more quality attacks from their lanky, athletic hitters. Their Middle Hitter, Brooke Scully was the most dominant player the Lady Raiders have faced this year, and she was surrounded by other talented players. 

While victory has a thousand fathers and defeat is an orphan, winners learn to love their losses that provide education at a cost.