Game 17: Freedom Division Title, Melrose 3 Wakefield 1

Melrose (12-5) faced a dramatically improved Wakefield team and won a hard-fought four set victory. 

Wakefield (6-12) rode a two game win streak into the match and got off to a fast start with a first set win. 

Throughout the match, Melrose got big production from Emma Randolph (24 kills) and double digit winners from Erin Torpey. Emily Hudson and Claire Albuja both chipped in with seven kills. 

Melrose's new alignment yielded two excellent blocking pairs, the M and M's (Emma and Emily) and a new pair in Grace Davis and Claire. 

Sophomore Sofia Centrella had key attacks off the bench in both the third and fourth sets. 

The back row was solid after struggling a little early with serve receive. Nicole Abbott was exceptional tonight with a number of spectacular diving digs. Emma, Erin, and Mary Kate Mahoney were all terrific in supporting roles and Marie Maher saw action in the clinching set. Leah Heafey was solid in a designated server role. 

Kiki Kiernan had a big effort with 35 assists. 

The win clinches the Freedom Division title for Melrose, which has captured fifteen league titles in the past sixteen seasons*. 

*File photo does not include last year's league and sectional championship. 

Belmont upset Reading today, extending its winning streak to eight and tying the Rockets for the Liberty Division lead.