Wednesday, September 07, 2022

Game 1: Peabody 3 Melrose 2

When it's your game, you have to take it. 

Peabody turned the Melrose home opener into their coming out party with a 24-26, 24-26, 25-23, 25-14, 10-15 victory. The visiting Tanners were the better team for much of the day. 

Melrose had chances, leading 10-4 in the first set before scuffling mid-frame before rallying to lead 21-20 before Peabody asserted control.  

In the second set, Melrose led 24-21 but Peabody rallied for five consecutive points to close out the home team. 

Melrose had a big lead in the third set before holding off a furious late Tanner rally. 

But in the fourth set, Melrose rallied by making plays and reducing unforced errors for a comfortable 25-14 win. 

Fifth sets can be unpredictable and as a rule getting off to a fast start adds to the pressure on the trailing team. Peabody led 8-5 at the exchange of ends and Melrose couldn't make enough plays down the stretch. 

A blend of experience and youth can be a double-edged sword. To leverage that as advantage, the veterans need to play well and young players have to step up in a complementary fashion. Melrose simply didn't make those plays today and Peabody played consistently, especially on defense. 

They'll get another chance tomorrow against a strong Woburn team on the road.  


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