Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Game 8: Melrose 3 Wakefield 1

Melrose (8-0) remained undefeated with a hard-fought four set win over Kayla Wyland's Wakefield Warriors on Senior Night.

Melrose honored seniors Sofia Centrella, Eva Haralabatos, Emilty Hudson, and Grace Sanderson before the game. 

Melrose won 25-16, 25-21, 24-26, and 25-14.

The match featured Wakefield's immovable defense again Melrose's irresistible offense. Emily and Abby Hudson, Chloe Gentile and Elena Soukos, and Gia Vlajkovic pounded away at the visitors defense and eventually it yielded.

The key moment of the match was in late set two, Wakefield leading 21-20, when Melrose closed with five straight points - Gentile and Soukos dominating. 

Wakefield struck back to take the third set as serve receive inconsistency and a seeming lack of focus cost Melrose, who led 24-21 down the stretch. 

But Melrose found its mojo down the stretch in set four finishing strong. 

Lady Raider Notes: First year coach Kayla Wyland has made Wakefield a worthy opponent. Wakefield defended well despite Melrose's diversified offense, including healthy doses of quick sets, back sets, slide attacks and occasional back row hitting. 

Wakefield's third set win was the first lost by Melrose this season. Melrose fans remember the 2003 season when Arlington Catholic went into the D2 North Section final 22-0 having not lost a set all season. Melrose sent them packing with a 3-0 win at Andover. 

The officials do an excellent job, but they don't get them all. Eva's serve at 15-10 in the fourth looked in during real time. 


The screen capture shows the ball landing near the Wakefield defender's foot. (Click to enlarge)



















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