I had the pleasure to chat with Coach Scott Celli (MGVCA Hall of Fame 2011) yesterday. I've known Coach Celli since the 2002 season when my twin daughters entered the program.
Earlier this season at Stoneham, Coach Celli asked the team, "who do you want to be?" And every season, the team responds differently.
I asked pointedly, "where's the team's head at?" He answered that they've been positive and worked hard from tryouts to now. This isn't always easy, as frustration can set in from different directions over the course of a season.
He also noted that he's never had a team where each player has played as many sets as this one, partly because he's still searching for the most effective combinations of players. Every player has played at least 25 sets this season.
Some of the best teams Melrose has faced this year are experienced, senior-laden teams (e.g. Reading, Arlington Catholic). The old saying goes that "the best thing about a freshman is that (s)he becomes a sophomore." Experience doesn't accrue overnight.
Coach also mentioned the recent steadying influence of tri-Captain Erin Torpey who has a big role both offensively and defensively. That doesn't diminish the contributions of all the other teammates who are working hard.
There's still a lot of volleyball left to be played, including some challenges ahead with Burlington, Central, and Westborough. Melrose can elevate its play and be ready for a long playoff run.
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