Melrose (24-2) advances to the state volleyball championship for the fourth time with a five set win over Minnechaug at Fitchburg. Melrose will face Westboro Saturday. Melrose's middles, Emma Randolph and Saoirse Connolly were unstoppable with 24 and 19 kills, and All-State setter Lily Fitzgerald added 45 assists.
The first set was tightly contested with ties at 7 and 11 through 14. But Melrose's run at 14 got the Lady Raiders to a 19-14 edge, only to see the Falcons fight back to lead at 21-19. But Melrose finished strong winning six of eight points to take the early lead.
Minnechaug hung tough. Melrose went up 10-8 and 12-10 in the second, only to see the Falcons even it at 14 through 17. Minnechaug led 21-18 only to see Melrose even the set at 22 and 23. But the North champion took the final two points to win 25-23 and go up two sets to nil.
Set three saw a myriad of tie at 1 through 4, 7, 11, and 13 through 16. The "Chaug" led 22-18 only to see Melrose rally to 22. But Minnechaug staved off elimination with three final points to win 25-22.
Set four was also a barnburner, wtih tie after tie. The score leveled at 3, 4, 8, 9, and 11 before the Lady Raiders led 16-13 at 21-18 and 22-19. But the Chaug rallied furiously winning seven of nine points to even the match.
The fifth (game to 15) set saw ties at 1, 3, and 4. With Melrose leading 6-5, sophomore Nicole Abbott owned the service line, running Melrose to a 14-5 lead. Minnechaug got a point but Melrose finished the match and advanced to the finals against the Central champion.
Scoresheets courtesy of Dick Collis. Additional game information to be provided when available.
Melrose Volleyball advances to the State Finals on Saturday, defeating Minnechaug Regional in 5 sets!— Melrose Athletics (@MHSRedRaiders) November 16, 2017
It was worth the trip!#MelrosePS pic.twitter.com/ac9C8xHW4G
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