Roster Preview*

"No progress occurs without change, but not all change is progress." - John Wooden

The 2019 Melrose roster returns seven seniors, adds six juniors, two sophomores, and one freshman. An influx of talent creates competition within one of the area's legacy programs. 

Offense. Teams with deep playoff aspirations don't just score points, they win points. Volleyball rewards intelligent aggression. Melrose state finalists always feature at least three dynamite hitters. For example, the 2012 State Champions had Sarah McGowan (341 kills), Rachel Johnson (152 kills), and Jen Cain (140 kills), along with Kayla Wyland (97 kills). 

Kills don't grow on trees. They synthesize serve receive, blocking, passing, setting, and the attack itself. 

Melrose returns its three top hitters (Emma Randolph, Emily Hudson, and Erin Torpey) with 650 kills, an excellent starting point for a strong offense. A healthier Randolph is a force. "Youth will be served." I expect fierce challenges for court time from risers Elena Soukos and Chloe Gentile, with size and national club tournament experience. 

Seniors Claire Albuja and Grace Davis return plenty of varsity action into the mix. Juniors Leah Heafey and Sofia Centrella saw key moments last season. Grace Sanderson breaks through as a middle hitter after recovering from injuries last season. 

Defense. Melrose returns its defensive core. 

All-state libero Nicole Abbott anchors the back row. Melrose's top four volume defenders Abbott plus Erin Torpey, Mary Kate Mahoney, and Emma Randolph have state finals experience. But don't sleep on competition from veteran defender Marie Maher or young defenders. 

We'll look for plays like this Jill MacInnes pancake dig in the third set sweep of Canton in the 2012 State Semifinals. 

Setting. The setting competition highlights a fascinating three-way challenge. Both Kiki Kiernan and Autumn Whelan had over 275 assists and over 5 assists/set. Junior Eva Haralabatos forced her way onto the roster with a strong tryout and soft hands. Expect the preseason and early season to have some 'setter by committee' features until a leader emerges. 

Innovation Hub. Coach Celli has used the "opposite" position as a springboard for developing future stars. He occasionally relocates "middles" to the outside to generate more offense and blocking. A "designated" server has proven a thorn to opponents. 

Intangibles. Championship ambition demands championship resilience. Last year Melrose brought youthful enthusiasm to the court; the 2019 team builds on that with experience to close out matches. Melrose's seven seniors' on-court leadership might decide the team's destiny. 

*Opinions are solely those of the author.