In the first quarter of the season (and longer), the Lady Raiders are in the discovery phase, assessing combinations, refining skills, and learning how to communicate and execute best headed into the post-season.
Every player saw time. Fans witnessed exceptional coaching from veteran coach Scott Celli, who saw his roster under the microscope.
Melrose played consistent volleyball in the first set with the rise of the M and M's, as Emma Randolph and Emily Hudson dominated the net. Mary Kate Mahoney and Nicole Abbott led the defensive charge as Melrose rebounded from their nailbiter Wednesday.
Freshman setter Autumn Whelan debuted in the second stanza and early on looked a little nervous...as expected. Many coaches would be tempted to go to a more established roster, but showing confidence in his team, Coach Celli held fast. His team rewarded his willingness to let them "figure it out." They fought through adversity and claimed the set 25-19.
In the third set, Junior Claire Albuja got front row time and showed energy, confidence, and execution as she nailed five kills and had another rescinded on a contested call. Again Coach Celli showed his commitment to the entire roster and team culture, regardless of score. The team rewarded that patience with the two-point win in extra points.
Lady Raider Notes: Faces in the crowd...alumna Kat Torpey watched sister Erin battle on the hardwood maple.
"Fight for your culture every day." Melrose volleyball has enjoyed a competitive and close-knit culture. It's a "performance-focused, feedback-rich" environment where players enjoy practice and know that a growth mindset, positive attitude, and productivity earn opportunity.
Around the Net:
Reading captured its fourth win toppling Arlington 3-1. Belmont upset Woburn 3-2. There's an ongoing logjam in the Middlesex League standings with Belmont, Melrose, Reading, and Winchester all unbeaten in the league.
No comments:
Post a Comment