The Melrose Lady Raiders got the monkey off their proverbial backs, vanquishing the Danvers Falcons 3-1 to capture their 8th Division 2 North title at Whittier Regional Technical. Scores were 25-19, 19-25, 25-16, and 25-22. Melrose is now 23-2.
The win marked Melrose's first sectional championship since 2012, when Melrose also advanced to face the West champion in the semis, and ultimately took states.
Melrose's four senior captains, Lily Fitzgerald, Jill Mercer, Saoirse Connolly, and Lydia Lombardo all had major roles in the win, but never underestimate the contributions of underclassmen. Sophomores Emma Randolph and Erin Torpey led the Lady Raiders with 12 and 9 kills respectively, critical firepower in addition to the always steady hands of Saoirse and Lydia. Sophomores Nicole Abbott and Mary Kate Mahoney played big defensive and service roles. Freshman Emily Hudson, who began the year on JV, also had some key stuff blocks at the net and combines with Emma working to build the "Second Wall."
Long-time Melrose followers remember The Great Wall of Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland.
A strong contingent of Melrose supporters accompanied the team to Haverhill, from students, photography and broadcast support, parents, friends, alumni, and Melrose volleyball supporters.
After a few early jitters and 6-3 deficit, Melrose trailed 16-13 in the first set, but a Scott Celli timeout triggered a massive reversal of fortunes as Melrose went on a 12-3 run to ground the Falcons. Melrose simply played better down the stretch, led by a Torpey attacking spree.
As well as Melrose played in the first frame, they struggled in the second. There was a spell of more reaching than effective movement. Nothing really was going well and Danvers volleyed better to win the set handily.
But Melrose owned the third set, racing out to a 9-0 lead from which Danvers couldn't recover. Strong play from the entire back row, the usual setting magic of Lily Fitzgerald, and attacks from Saoirse, Emma, and Lydia triggered the run. Melrose led 21-9 before Danvers pulled themselves together with a closing 7-4 edge despite losing.
The final set was mostly back and forth early after a quick Melrose lead at 4-2. Most of the set was within a point or two either way, until a final Melrose spurt ran the lead to 24-19. But Danvers persisted. At 24-22, Melrose got a chance to set Emma in the middle and she crushed a low ball that the stellar Falcon libero couldn't handle, driving the ball under the net, sealing victory.
Game Analysis: In many ways, this season represented not only redemption but redoubling priorities of 1) winning points and 2) more aggressive serving. Senior leadership and young talent helped, but the entire team showed INTENT, the will to hit. Even when a pass wasn't perfect, players attacked. You simply cannot go deep into the postseason without an aggressive mindset. When you hit hard, the ball may go long or into the net sometimes, but attacking applies pressure to opponents. Success means finding ways to grind down your opposition.
Melrose's experience paid off in the end. After the game, I overheard a Danvers supporter, "We're young. It's tough. Melrose lives and breathes volleyball." And Melrose survives to play another day.
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