Midseason Update

"You are what your record says you are." - Bill Parcells

Every team faces turnover and tradeoffs. Melrose graduated Division 1 Middle Blocker Sabine Wenzel (369 kills in 2025) and returned ten rising juniors and sophomores.

Area experts predicted Winchester and Reading to be at the top, followed by a scramble of other competitive clubs. Predictions hit the mark.

Winchester (7-0) and Reading (6-1) remain at the top of the standings, with a logjam following with Melrose, Burlington, and Belmont all at 5-2.

On any given day, Woburn, Wakefield, Lexington, and Arlington provide potent opposition.

Only one "poll" counts, as MIAA "Power Rankings" determine post-season seedings and venues. The usual suspects head the list; Melrose opposes Duxbury, Woburn, Wakefield, and Marblehead in the second half, as well as 14th ranked Belmont (3.41) from Division 1...which would place fifth in D2 rankings. 

The recent road win at MIAA tenth-ranked Newburyport raised the MVB profile. 

The one negative occurred as the injury bug circled. Injuries knocked out junior quad-captain Ella Friedlaender for the season, Adriana Santoriello missed a pair of games, and Alisa Dautovic plays on a pitch count at fifty percent. Sophomore setter Leila Kiggundu missed multiple games. 

Serving

Melrose deploys a 'fire team' of potent servers - Dani DiGiorgio, Anna Burns, Alisa, Elise Marchais, Sabrina McArt and Adriana. Gen Overlan missed only two serves of almost a hundred. Alisa delivered the longest run (19) in recent years on Friday. 

Back Row

Arguably, the DS crew of Anna, Dani, Gen, Adriana, and Alisa forms the strength of the team. They've improved over the season, and Anna often acts as a second setter during "out of system" play. 

Setting

ML12 All-star Sadie Smith returned even better. She brings mobility and decision-making to set the pins, the middle, and sometimes the back. She boosted her second ball attack, blocks well, and ranks among the best defensive setters in MVB history. 

Leila had limited chances so far but shows capability beyond her age. 

Blocking

MVB 26 blocking has exceeded expectations although still a work in progress. Graduating the 6'6" Wenzel impacted, but blocking improved outside with the 'arrival' of Amelie Johnson and growth of Amelie, Alisa, and Elise Marchais. Melrose has four capable middles - Sabrina, sophomore Lorena Contin, Maggie Shoemaker, and Elise who can play any position on the court. 

Attacking

Melrose needed maturation from its "closer by committee." They're on track to have at least four players - Elise, Adriana, Amelie, and Sabrina with over a hundred kills and if healthy, Alisa joins that list. Opponents cannot "load up" on one player because of the attack distribution.

Depth

Depth builds antifragility. Depth rescued the club from injuries. Alisa, Adriana, and Elisa can play all six. Sabrina might.

In limited action Kayla Ton and Mia Sasso performed well.

Culture 

Coaching and team leadership foster “team first” culture. The sophomores played together for five years. Everyone sacrifices. “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

Coaching 

Scott Celli brings twenty-seven seasons at Melrose and a MAVCA Hall of Fame resume. Assistants Ryan Celli and Gia Vlajkovic add All-Scholastic credentials. 

The second half awaits. Play with fun and force. And enjoy the ride.