A trip to Newburyport called for intestinal fortitude. Melrose knocked the Clippers from the unbeaten (9-0) ranks with a come-from-behind 23-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22 victory.
The win upped Melrose to 7-2 on the season.
This represented a signature win against the top-ranked team in Division 3 (10th overall) in the initial MIAA rankings. Area fans and coaches also got to watch on the NFHS Network.
A raucous home crowd supported the Clippers and built a second or third-round playoff atmosphere.
Melrose got off to a slow start in the first and was playing uphill most of the set. Nine service errors proved a hurdle too great to climb. Melrose showed promise with a lineup designed to get more blocking force with Sabrina McArt and Lorena Contin in the middle, and Elise Marchais pushed outside to compensate for injuries.
The second set didn't go as planned either as Melrose struggled against the 'Port block and trailed 15-21. Melrose injected a big dose of mental toughness as Sabrina got on a service run and evened the score. Down the stretch Melrose lost a set point at 24-23, but scored twice to even the match. Sophomore Lorena came through with a couple of key kills late.
Elise Marchais owned the third set with a mixture of smashes, line hits, tools, and tips. Only guessing that she had about nine kills and finished the set with an ace. She may need Daniel Webster in a legal battle to reclaim her soul after that performance. Melrose dominated the set with wins across the board and great work in the back from Anna Burns, Gen Overlan, Dani DiGiorgio, and Adriana Santoriello.
Melrose started slowly in the final frame, before rallying. It was a total team effort without weaknesses. Melrose led 23-20 when a Clipper serve slammed into the net. A final point secured the victory.
Melrose Notes:
A strong contingent of Melrose fans made the trek to Newburyport.
With a "total team win," everyone shares credit. MVB 25 tended to be predictable with future D1 commit Sabine Wenzel. This year, the offense attacks from all three front slots. I'd guess that Elise, Adriana, Lorena, Sabrina, and Amelie Johnson all had at least five kills.
Alisa Dautovic continues to see limited action with injury. Shout out to Ella Friedlaender, fully invested while awaiting surgery.
Melrose's six sophomores are young but experienced, five having played varsity last season and all six played in the Nationals this spring.
In other Middlesex League action:
Powerhouse Franklin upset Winchester, 3-0.
Reading topped Lexington 3-1.
Wakefield beat North Reading 3-2.
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