Melrose hosted one of the top teams in the Middlesex League with one of the best defenses around without weaknesses. The team proved to be inhospitable with a straight set 25-22, 25-19, 25-17 win. The win brings Melrose's record to 15-1 and clinches another Freedom Division title.
The team got stronger as the match proceeded, committing far fewer errors, especially necessary with the Red Devil defense.
With the score tied at 20 in the first, Melrose struck from the middle coming out of a timeout. Sophomore Sabine Wenzel delivered.
With Melrose up 24-22, Melrose's defense rose up with a great dig from Grace Gentile helping Melrose capture the set.
Melrose trailed early 0-4 in the second, requiring a Scott Celli timeout. Melrose went down 2-6 leading to this critical point with exceptional defense from Maggie "Pocket Rocket" Turner.
Melrose gradually got back into the set, leading to Leah Fowke moments. The Melrose setter literally served out the set with seven consecutive service points and brilliant defense from multiple Melrose defenders. Once again, Manon Marchais was money in the middle.
Early in the third set, Burlington raced out ahead again 0-4, producing a timeout. But Melrose responded. After a great dig by Gigi Albuja, Manon and Leah combined for a winning block to go up 7-5.
A great dig by Grace Gentile leads to a winner for Sadie.
More great defense by Maggie stifles great Burlington defense.
More Manon middle magic.
Melrose notes. Melrose's margin of victory stays at 2.00 and its opponent ranking after Wakefield and Burlington should rise to about 1.978 headed into tomorrow's match at Westborough against the top-ranked Rangers.
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