Melrose got close enough to taste a state championship, but the Westboro Rangers had other ideas, winning the final three sets to capture their second state championship 3-2 at Worcester State.
Melrose got off to a terrific start, winning the first two sets 25-17 and 25-15, dominating play in the back and the front, with strong performances across the board. They played their best volleyball of the season.
But the wheels came off the wagon in the third set, leading to inconsistency in serve receive, passing and defense, and a turnaround set as Westboro won by over ten points.
Melrose battled back from an early deficit in the fourth after trailing 7-2. They evened the score at 9 and 11, but then Westboro took over again, as six-foot junior Alexia Austin pounded away from the outside carrying the Rangers, along with improved play from their defense. Again, the Rangers won going away, 25-14.
The final set started well for Melrose with a quick point, but against Westboro rallied, going up 8-4 at the switch. Emma Randolph had a kill to bring Melrose to within 8-5, but the Rangers reeled off seven of the final eight points to claim the championship, 15-6.
Game analysis: Melrose completely controlled the first two sets, but fell out of sync from there. Coach Scott Celli took strategic timeouts but Westboro was largely unfazed, as they simply outplayed Melrose for the second half of the match.
Melrose's fourth trip to the state finals (2005, 2011, 2012) couldn't cap a glorious season for a team on nobody's radar in September. Senior Captains Lily Fitzgerald, Saoirse Connolly, Jill Mercer, and Lydia Lombardo should be proud of their careers and especially their senior season.
Getting to the state championship is tough. Winning is even harder. It should be.
Melrose has 10 sophomores and freshmen returning, including half with extensive varsity experience. 2017 should be the springboard for future success. In addition to the many adults attending the final, a large number of elementary and middle school girls were on hand to be inspired by the title game experience. They are the wellspring for the future.
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