Thursday, August 29, 2024

Scrimmage 2: Sunrise on a New Season?

Rumor has it that seniors were up early on the knoll to witness the sunrise. Melrose proved an inhospitable host to visiting Marblehead as more lineup clarity emerges.

In the sets I watched, Melrose controlled the Magicians 25-16, 25-17, and 25-18. 

Volleyball runs off core skills:

  1. Serve
  2. Receive/pass
  3. Attack
  4. Block
  5. Dig
  6. Set
Melrose has shown more consistency and strategic placement in service this preseason. Their big three in serve - Leah, Gigi, Maggie - has raised their game. 

Gigi Albuja and Maggie Turner have been the "Gold Dust Twins" in the back, possibly the best back row duo since the 2012 season. Coach Scott Celli can feature either at libero with no dropoff. The third defender spot still looks as though it's highly competitive among several names with Alex Homan showing well early. Both Alex and soph Anna Burns are both capable defenders and consistent servers, adding value. Newcomer Adele Akland looks to pick up experience in her first varsity season. 

As of now the attack is "by committee." In the early 2000's the lion's share of kills came from the middle. The game evolved to favor attacks by pin hitters and it's likely a blend emerges in 2024. 

A number of returners compete at the pins - Caroline Higonenq, Emme Boyer, Abby Dennison, Ava Perrotti, and Milana Noessel. Newcomer Maggie Shoemaker has size and athleticism and reminds me of her sister who became a key part of a sectional championship team. 

It's the "Old Kids on the Block" with returners Sofia Papatsoris and Sabine Wenzel looking solid and at times dominant in the middle. 

Setter Leah Fowke is one of the best in the Commonwealth with size, athleticism, and skill. She has the size to hit and the chance to earn a handful of kills per match attacking the second ball. 

Following Saturday's PlayDay, Coach Celli will set the season-opening lineup. 

Lagniappe. In basketball, we have "emergency shots." Here are a couple of VB emergency moves. 

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