Four Games That Mattered Most and Some Honorable Mentions
All opinions expressed in the blog are solely my own.
"Every season ends in tears - tears of joy or tears of sadness." I've seen almost all of the most meaningful MVB games since 2002, not as a disinterested spectator. Choosing a handful as the "must see" contests is tough and arbitrary.
Over the past three decades, MVB adherents have witnessed extraordinary moments, highlighted by one State Title, four championship game appearances, and ten sectional titles. Here are my top four.
2012, Melrose beats Longmeadow 3-1 to capture States. Preordained? Certain Melrose opponents didn't think so and yet Melrose lost only four sets all season. The talent level was extreme. Brooke Bell and Sarah McGowan were Boston Herald 'Team of the Decade' selections and Jill MacInnes and Allie Nolan became All-State players in later years. The blocking tandem of Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland was the best in Melrose history. That team had no weaknesses.
2003, Melrose upsets Arlington Catholic 3-0 to win sectionals. AC had taken Melrose out in 2002, before Melrose was ready to challenge for a title. AC came in with a pair of 6'2" middles and had not lost a set all season. Melrose had a Big Three of Marianne Foley, Erin Hudd, and Amanda Labella and destiny smiled on Melrose in Andover's Dunn Gym and its low ceiling.
2021, Melrose wins sectional 3-2 at Billerica. During the COVID era, Melrose made an improbable comeback, trailing 10-3 in set five. Melrose outscored their hosts 13-4 with a furious comeback capped off with a down the line winner by Abby Hudson.
2009, Melrose hosts Barnstable and Hannah Brickley and company sweep the "name brand" in Massachusetts Girls Volleyball. The previous season in Barnstable, the hosts playfully greeted Melrose with a musical serenade of "M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E" and swept the match. The return engagement saw Melrose get the cheese. The win was the biggest regular season victory for MVB.
Many other matches had drama and meaning. Long-term fans can select others that spelled ecstasy and heartbreak. For example, 2011 at Lincoln-Sudbury is another favorite albeit without high drama. The first round playoff game in 2005 against a talented Central Catholic team was a five set nail biter. The 2011 team had an amazing comeback at powerful Central Catholic that proved their resilience. The 2010 sectional win was another donnybrook.
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