Inside the Numbers, How Things Work

"The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you." - Neil DeGrasse Tyson

"Corporate memory" describes history and context. Werner von Braun had his "Monday Notes" for NASA to get and give feedback on progress on the Moon Landing program. Twenty years watching Melrose volleyball affords some perspective.

Earning Final Four status has become a touchstone for program excellence. To do so, key wins against excellent clubs qualify. 

The first program-defining or "signature win" was sweeping Arlington Catholic (22-0) in the sectional championship at Andover in 2003. AC had the "Twin Towers" and hadn't lost a set for the season. It was Melrose's first bite at the apple with a mix of veterans and youth. 

Beating Canton in 2012 en route to the State Championship was another pivotal milestone. Some pundits dismissed Melrose's "simple game" while acknowledging its talented ball control offense (four players from the roster earned All-State status over the years). 

Last night Duxbury had to feel good about their chances, undefeated and having beaten a Dartmouth club that beat D1 power Barnstable. Melrose came in, dictated the tempo of the match and got excellent performances up and down the roster. At various points of the match, Gia Vlajkovic, Anna Shoemaker, Sadie Jaggers, and Chloe Gentile took over. 

Throughout, libero Emma Desmond played under control and had an outstanding passing game. When you don't notice the setter, Ruth Breen, that means she's making passes 'on time and on target'. She and Sadie were particularly in sync on the quick sets.   

What lessons resonate?

• Emerson said, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." Consistency is everything in sports. Consistency in coaching is key because you have different clubs each season as players graduate and others ascend. Coach Scott Celli puts another pelt on his horse. 
• Credit the players. Melrose had major losses to graduation including Elena Soukos, Autumn Whelan, and Abby Hudson. The 2022 players stepped up and filled those roles. And the pipeline isn't dry. 
• Schedule matters. Melrose lost to the top team in D1, D2, and D5. The playoffs do not care about regular season losses, but about fashioning wins from experience. 
• Good players have good statistics. In Moneyball, Michael Lewis wrote, "if he's such a good hitter, why doesn't he hit better?" Although I don't have the final numbers, Gia Vlajkovic moved into the top five Melrose all-time in single season kill leaders, passing Paula Sen and Sarah McGowan. She also had two key kills at the end. It's a team game but individual aggression wins.
• Collaboration is key. It's not always having the best six players but the six who play best together. This group didn't always 'poll' the highest but they're still standing with four teams left. 
• Poise is critical. After a tough no-call at 21-20, Melrose finishes on a four-point run to seal the deal. They would not be denied. 
• Playing well at the end of the season counts most. Melrose rides an eleven game win streak into the semis. 

Only four remain, the 1, 2, 4, and 6 seeds. 

Melrose notes: Melrose has four sophomores (Leah Fowke, Gigi Albuja, Caroline Higonenq, Maggie Turner) and a freshman (Sabine Wenzel) who aren't just along for the ride. They're scrimmaging and developing alongside the Sectional Champions. That gives them "Hungry Eyes" for future success.