Wednesday, March 31, 2021

"The Truth Machine"


More highlights versus Wilmington from MHS-TV. Senior Captain Emily Hudson (14) with a kill. 


Sophomore setter Emma Desmond aces the Cats. 


Senior middle hitter Grace Sanderson dominates the net. 


Autumn Whelan's aggressive jump serve sets up a difficult serve receive. From there, it's "dig, set, spike" as Elena Soukos hammers one home. 

Video is "the Truth Machine." 

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Check out the Melrose Free Press Online for Volleyball Photos

Here's a link to yesterday's Melrose volleyball action versus Wilmington.

And a link to Maxpreps.com for yesterday's box score

Monday, March 29, 2021

Game 3: Delayed But not Denied, Melrose 3 Wilmington 0

Melrose volleyball rolls on. No games for over two weeks meant practice not rust. Melrose hosted Wilmington and whitewashed the Wildcats, 25-8, 25-8, 25-6. The victory brings Melrose to 3-0 in the Middlesex League. 

Melrose dominated from the opening point (video from MHS-TV).


Strong-side hitter Elena Soukos left her mark on the Cats.

All the world's a stage and every player played her role. Junior Abby Hudson seized her opportunity. 


But she wasn't the only youngster to deliver punishing attacks. 


Sophomore opposite Gia Vlajkovic with a gorgeous run-up and spike from the right side. 

Setters Eva Haralabatos and Emma Desmond fed "cheddar biscuits" to attackers and Chloe Gentile, Emily Hudson, and Grace Sanderson dominated the middle. 

The defense was seldom challenged. 


But when called, defenders like Autumn Whelan stepped up. 

Melrose plays two additional games this week, a make up against Watertown and rematch at Wilmington. 










Melrose Hosts Wilmington Today at 5:30

After a long absence of games, Melrose gets back into action today. Maybe it's a blessing in disguise as young players improve their defensive coverage and face good practice competition.  

Follow Melrose Athletics on Twitter for the latest broadcast information and links. 


Saturday, March 27, 2021

"Play the Schedule"

"Control what you can control" is a core philosophy of Stoicism and of most excellent players and teams.

You play the schedule and when games get postponed, you work hard in practice, developing the core skills of volleyball:

- Serving / Digging

- Attacking / Blocking

- Setting / Passing

Meanwhile, other clubs are playing. 


Standings from Maxpreps.com 













Next Game Postponed Again...It's Not Rocket Science

Melrose's next game (against Watertown) is postponed for the second consecutive week. It's not rocket science during a pandemic. 


The next match is scheduled for Tuesday versus Wilmington. 


COVID-19 cases are rising (7-day average) in Massachusetts and in MORE THAN HALF of US states despite knowledge about public health measures and vaccination. Attending larger gatherings, crowding, and not using masks all contribute. It's your choice. 



"But it's just old people ruining it for us." The Massachusetts COVID-19 Reporting Response data shows that OVER 40% of cases occur in people 29 and under and the single largest group of patients is 0-19 years old. 














Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Get Better at Getting Better

I am a huge fan of MasterClass an online educational platform. 

Professors usually teach four to six hour classes (generally in 15 minute sessions) about writing, business, wellness, cooking, the arts, sports (e.g. Serena Williams, Steph Curry, etc.), and more. I've taken over 60 classes. 

Make education a lifetime passion. 

Some of the best include:

1) Bob Woodward (Investigative Journalism)

2) Sarah Blakely (Business Development)

3) Doris Kearns Goodwin (Presidential Leadership)

4) Malcolm Gladwell (Writing)

5) Thomas Keller (3 classes) Cooking 

Currently, I'm taking a class from Joe Holder on personal fitness. 

They're sharing seven day passes



Monday, March 22, 2021

Updated ML Standings

 


Expect more COVID-19 postponements as cases increase. 

The game report for Game 2 is published in the Melrose Weekly News











Sunday, March 21, 2021

Four Words

Abraham Lincoln suffered from crippling depression through much of his life. He lost family members to illness, lost elections, and controversy ensued with his Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863. 


Near the top of the Pyramid of Success, two words, "FAITH" and "PATIENCE" flank "COMPETITIVE GREATNESS." It takes belief and time for players to grow into contributing roles. 

Making the team is a start, the coach's endorsement. 

Note the cornerstones of the pyramid are INDUSTRIOUSNESS (hard work) and ENTHUSIASM (energy). 

At the center of the pyramid are CONDITION, SKILL, and TEAM SPIRIT. All three are the fuel that get you an increased role, the opportunity to contribute. 

Moving forward requires you to believe in yourself. As that happens, more and more people will share the four words you need to know, "I believe in you." 



















 

Friday, March 19, 2021

Watertown Game Saturday Postponed

The game versus Watertown is postponed... not a Melrose issue... but no other details are available. 


Thursday, March 18, 2021

Updated ML Standings

from Maxpreps.com 

Without interdivision regular season play, we can only assess the Freedom Division (Burlington, Melrose, Stoneham, Wakefield, Watertown, Wilmington).

History and film suggest that Burlington, Melrose, and Wakefield will fight it out for the top spots. Burlington and Wakefield collide on Tuesday 3/30/21 which should be a tell. 









Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Coverage Is Lean

Coverage is hard to come by with one game a week. 


There's a reason. In Massachusetts, the highest number of COVID-19 cases is in patients nineteen years and younger, followed by age 20-29. 


Wakefield (2-0) should also be in the Maxpreps.com top 5. 









Next Up: Watertown

The Golden Age of Video affords coaches, players, and teams to study opponents. What are their strengths, weaknesses, and coverages? 

What can we learn about ourselves from studying video? Know where points arise and where they are surrendered. 

Next up is Watertown. 

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Melrose Free Press: Volleyball Profile

 The Melrose Free Press covers the opening of volleyball season. 


Wakefield also shutout Watertown to go to 2-0. Woburn avenged its five set opening day loss to Arlington. 

Senior Eva Haralabatos and sophomore Emma Desmond both recorded double digit assists, an unusual achievement for most teams. 


Young guns. Sophomore Gia Vlajkovic had a career high three kills in her second varsity game and freshman Sadie Jaggers got her first varsity kills. 






















Saturday, March 13, 2021

Game 2: Melrose 3 Stoneham 0

Melrose quickly dispatched Stoneham 3-0 in their rematch at Stoneham HS, 25-7, 25-12, 25-6.

The victory moves Melrose to 2-0 in the Middlesex League. 

"Stars shine" with the customary top performances from Elena Soukos, Chloe Gentile, and Autumn Whelan. With senior attacker Emily Hudson out, Melrose got excellent production from senior Grace Sanderson and freshman Sadie Jaggers. 

It's hard to single out others because once again everyone contributed. Abby Hudson also attacked consistently outside. 

Lady Raider Notes: Years ago, a rival coach described Melrose as a "legacy program" because of their longstanding consistency. That hasn't changed as the program continues to progress youngsters through the system to perform at a high level. 

The six major volleyball skills are serving, passing, attacking, blocking, digging, and setting. Melrose has veteran Eva Haralabatos as a top ten (in the state) setter and is developing Emma Desmond as one possible successor. 

Thus far, the strengths of the team include solid digging/serve receive, passing, and excellent attack. Championship contenders need three dynamite hitters in the mold of Elena, Chloe, and Emily and they have a panoply of pummelers pounding the metaphorical door of playing time including Grace, Abby, Sadie and others. 

Blocking and serving consistency often require more time for optimal timing and development. 

In addition to former Melrose star Kayla Wyland running the Wakefield program, she has former teammates Jill MacInnes (MGVCA All-State 2013) and Cassidy Barbaro on her staff (hat tip: Coach Scott Celli).

Thoughts on Comparison; Melrose Travels to Stoneham Today

 


Sometimes we twist ourselves in knots during comparison. Golf professional Rory McIlroy acknowledged as much discussing his swing. Seeking more length against Bryson DeChambeau, McIlroy said that seeking club speed had cost him consistency and results. 

What does that have to do with volleyball? It's natural for people to compare players and teams from other years. Everyone is guilty of doing it, particularly long-time observers of sport. That will prove especially frustrating in 2021, with regular-season competition solely against the ML12 Freedom Division, no non-league opponents, and no state tournament. 

The best advice for players remains to "control what you can control." You control your attitude, choices, and effort. That includes your academics, approach to practice (full effort on every repetition), and intangibles like sleep and nutrition. 

Melrose reprises its opening day match today, traveling to Stoneham. 

Friday, March 12, 2021

Melrose Star Kayla Wyland Runs the Ship at Wakefield


A few points about Kayla. She was an accomplished athlete at Melrose. She is the best "freshman team" athlete to become a varsity volleyball player. 

She was a key member of the state title team and played two sports in college.  

But above all, she is as nice a person as you could ever meet. And her parents told me that she was as genuinely helpful and pleasant at home as she was elsewhere. 

Article source: hat tip Jen Gentile

Thursday, March 11, 2021

Up Next: At Stoneham, Saturday at Noon

Melrose concludes its home and home series with Stoneham Saturday. 


Photos courtesy of Jen Gentile


























Wednesday, March 10, 2021

Different and Unique

Every season is different. The players and the player leadership are always different. The schedule is different and the competition is different. 

But this season is unique by virtue of its calendar, protective equipment, and rules modifications. All are likely to be unique for a volleyball season. 

What doesn't change? The way that teams come together, practice, work hard, and meet challenges defines the experience. Process defines us more than results, because of uncontrollable factors, like luck, and randomness. 







Tuesday, March 09, 2021

Cross Post - Leave Your Comfort Zone. Failure is a Stop on the Destination.

Look at failure differently. Love your losses. An Olympic figure skating champion endures 20,000 falls to succeed. 

Cross-posted from my basketball site. 

Monday, March 08, 2021

More Pictures from Game 1, Melrose - Stoneham

Images courtesy of Jen Gentile. Click to enlarge. 

First, the best thing you'll see today. 


On the right, Melrose winning the State Volleyball Championship with the arrow pointing to the little pumpkin, Grace Gentile. On the left, Grace is a back row player for Melrose with big sister, Captain Chloe Gentile. 



Another "Sister Act" with Abby and Emily Hudson (left, center)




















Sunday, March 07, 2021

Game 1 Snaps

Images courtesy of Jen Gentile. Click to enlarge.  


Senior setter Eva Haralabatos started the season with 21 consecutive service points. 


"Come home with your shield or on it" was a Spartan mother's admonition to a warrior. The block takes care of that. 


The Lady Raider defense stood at the ready. 


Sophomore opposite Gia Vlajkovic spikes into the Stoneham defense. 










Looking Around

Yesterday's Middlesex League action produced at least one upset. 

Here's a link to the Melrose-Stoneham box score


Maxpreps.com has a little scoreboard catchup to do. 

From BostonGlobe.com


In a minor upset, the Arlington Spy Ponders upset the Woburn Tanners 3-2. 

Former Melrose standout Kayla Wyland earned her first win at Wakefield with a 3-0 win over Watertown. For those JVb players wondering about opportunity and future, Kayla played on the Freshman Volleyball squad and became the most accomplished freshman to varsity player in Melrose history. She played volleyball and basketball in college and was part of the "Great Wall" of block with Rachel Johnson during Melrose's State Championship run. She is also the nicest person you would ever get to know. 










Saturday, March 06, 2021

Game 1: Melrose 3 Stoneham 0

Melrose hosted Stoneham at the MVMMS Gym, handling the Spartans 25-3, 25-13, 25-12. Everyone had a hand in the victory. 

Senior setter Eva Haralabatos started strong with 21 consecutive service points. Because of 25 point games, nobody will ever eclipse Marianne Foley's record 28 achieved during 30 point scoring. 

Melrose dominated and controlled the action throughout. Big hitters Emily Hudson, Elena Soukos, and Chloe Gentile owned the net and the defense did a workmanlike job. 

Numerous players made solid varsity debuts. 


Lady Raider Notes: Melrose earned a sweep with JVa and JVb also sweeping the Spartans. 

There are no "ball retrievers" and the same ball is used throughout each set. 

As usual, few balls "hit the floor" as the Melrose defense communicated well. The front row did an excellent job staying out of the net. 

Overachievers? Everyone performed well. Locals expect the "stars" to be stars. Junior captain Autumn Whelan vacuumed everything in the back and Abby Hudson attacked well from the outside. 

Volleyball Preview

It's opening day. 

Jen Gentile previews the 2021 Fall 2 season at Melrose Weekly

"Control what you can control." Bring your best selves to the court every day. On with the show this is it. 

Friday, March 05, 2021

"It's Always Showtime"

 


"You cannot lean a ladder against the clouds." - Japanese Proverb

Learning, growing, being happen in the present, not the past or the future. You live the most important volleyball day today. 

Want a bigger role? Perform at a high level during practice

Change is the constant of sports. Players seize opportunity through the daily grind, the competition, attention to detail. 

"Technique beats tactics." Skill development - setting, passing, serve receiving, digging, blocking, attacking - is magic. Your PROCESS to translate fundamental growth into consistent play defines your RESULTS. Process > results.  

Successful teams excel through their 1) consistency and 2) aggressiveness. The best Melrose teams never won through trickery of diversified offense but through being their best selves in the moment of execution. 


"The magic is in the work." Today. 

Tuesday, March 02, 2021

Countdown to the Regular Season, 4 Days to Go

Melrose opens its season Saturday, March 6th, high noon hosting Stoneham. 

The Lady Raiders come off a 19-4 season with starters returning at setter (Eva Haralabatos), defensive specialist (Autumn Whelan), and attackers (Emily Hudson, Chloe Gentile, Elena Soukos). That core, by itself would be expected to compete for a deep playoff run. 

Volleyball fans will be curious to see how Coach Celli and his staff restock the back row defense and opposite hitter. Next, we'll see how the depth emerges. 

(Click photographs to enlarge. Images courtesy Jen Gentile)








Girls can jump. 




Monday, March 01, 2021

2020-2021 Melrose Volleyball, Fall 2 Images

Hat tip: Jen Gentile


Top row (L-R) Ava Burns, Gia Vlajkovic, Chloe Gentile (C), Emily Hudson (C), Grace Sanderson, Elena Soukos, Abby Hudson, Sadie Jaggers, Ava McSorley

Bottom row (L-R) Emma Desmond, Autumn Whelan (C), Ava Haralabatos, Sofia Centrella, Chloe Gentile


Seniors


Captains