Game 5: Quarter Pole, Melrose 3 Stoneham 1

Give credit where credit is due. Melrose (5-0) traveled to Stoneham and the Spartans played their best volleyball of the season, forcing Melrose to earn a 25-9, 22-25, 25-23, and 25-12 win. 

Melrose continues in the EVALUATION phase of the season, juggling combinations and lineups. 

The Lady Raiders got off to a fast start in the first set amidst some positional shuffling. Emma Randolph ignited the team during the first frame abetted by good attacks by Erin Torpey and Claire Albuja and some tandem blocks between Claire and Grace Davis. 

To Stoneham's credit, they counterattacked in the second stanza using good defense to neutralize Melrose as Coach Scott Celli varied his lineups. Stoneham blocked well and attacked from the strong side relentlessly. The heart of Melrose's defense, Nicole Abbott and Mary Kate Mahoney, stood up well but Melrose couldn't generate enough offense. 

Melrose got off to a quick start in the third frame, with a diversified attack including big moments from Emily Hudson, Sofia Centrella, and reinforcement in the back from Leah Heafey. The set was tied as late as 21-21 before Melrose closed out the set from a 24-23 lead. 

Stoneham ran out of gas in the final set as Melrose jumped out fast and never looked back. Erin Torpey triggered the rally with crafty play from the outside, and the M and M's (Emma and Emily) dominated the middle. 

Emma and Emily combined for 27 kills. 

Nicole and Mary Kate did the heavy digging. 

Kiki Kiernan continued her growth at setter while Autumn Whelan got additional experience.

Erin, Nicole, and Mary Kate do the heavy lifting in the back row. 

From The Boston Globe

Belmont, Melrose, and Reading remain undefeated in ML play.