Melrose-Winchester Highlights: A Game of Vision, Decisions, and Execution

Springsteen revisited. 

Melrose historically carried the label of a "simple" offense. Simple enough to earn eight sectional championships, four finals berths, and a state title. 

With more offseason play, Melrose has expanded its palette to include the quick set above, often difficult to defend as Sadie Jaggers demonstrates. 

The Navy SEALs have a saying, "Never bring a gun to a gunfight." What they mean is bring a tank or other overwhelming force. That describes Elena Soukos and her versatile attacks accounted for 19 kills against Winchester. 

Ava Burns has brought strong service and craftiness from the opposite position. 

"Release the Kraken." Chloe Gentile punishes an overpass to clinch the second set versus Winchester. 

"The defense never rests." Here Autumn Whelan makes one of the top defensive plays in the history of Melrose volleyball with help from Elena. It's a pancake dig kept alive and turned into a winner. It's not surprising as Autumn is one of the top back row players to come through the system. 

Here's the fantastic finish, starting with Melrose trailing 24-25, where they fight off five consecutive set points for Winchester. Elena is immense down the stretch with key winners at 27-28, 28-29, and the game winner. 

For the course of the match, with rare exceptions, Melrose showed exceptional conviction to hitting. 

Around the Net: In non-league play, Lynnfield topped Reading 3-2 after trailing 2-0 and North Andover halted Woburn's eight game winning streak 3-1.