Game 7: Melrose 3 Burlington 1

Melrose's chief Freedom Division competitor, Burlington, came in looking to steal a win. And they captured the first set 26-24 with hefty blocking. But Melrose rebounded to sweep the final three 25-9, 25-16, and 25-14.

Among the highlights were a lengthy service run by Ava McSorley in set four. The Red Devils sped out to a 9-2 edge before Melrose counterattacked while Ava served to 15-9. The team seized a 19-11 lead en route to victory.

The win brings Melrose to 6-1 and 6-0 in Middlesex League play. Burlington drops to 5-2 and 4-2 in the ML12. 

Melrose notes: Next week brings an entirely different challenge with the Westborough Rangers in on a Wednesday bringing their uber-talented squad. Westborough eliminated Melrose in the State semis last season before falling to Hopkinton in the finals. 

In addition, fans expect release of the MIAA and MaxPreps rankings by Monday. That allows a better view of potential postseason partners.