Game 11: Melrose 3 Stoneham 0

Melrose kicked off the second half of the season at Stoneham with a 25-10, 25-5, 25-16 win. The victory brings Melrose's record to 8-3. 

The second half of the season often reveals subtle lineup shifts as Coach Celli retools both offense and defense. Sophomore Maggie Turner appeared early both serving and playing defensive specialist. She showed both poise and purpose during the transition to varsity play. 

The Big Three hitters of Gia Vlajkovic, Chloe Gentile, and Sadie Jaggers took advantage of good passing and setting with a high attack efficiency. Offensive adjustments proved disruptive. 

Sadie Jaggers show her ups going up for a block.

It's hard to assess the blocking as Stoneham didn't have a lot of offensive punch. Ruth Breen set consistently and Leah Fowke, inspired by the Melrose chanting crowd made a successful and clean debut setting. 

Everyone saw action, including new arrival 6'4" middle Sabine Wenzel. After a little early repositioning snafu, the freshman earned her first point with a block kill. 

Freshman Sabine Wenzel discusses technique with Assistant Varsity Coach Ryan Schmitt, flanked by Maggie Turner, Gigi Albuja, Caroline Higonenq, and Anna Shoemaker. 

Melrose notes: The latest MIAA rankings place Melrose at 5 off their loss to second-ranked Newton North of D1. 

Three Middlesex League teams appear in the top dozen. 

Tomorrow Melrose travels to South Deerfield to face the top team in Division 5, Frontier (12-0).