Wednesday, November 15, 2017

State Semis: On to the Finals, Melrose 3 Minnechaug 2


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. 


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