Word has it that 67 girls, aged 2nd to 9th grade work out at the Introduction to Volleyball camp run by Coach Scott Celli at the Marcoux Gym. Thirty freshman girls have signed up for tryouts as Volleyball's popularity grows.
Volleyball along with Girls' Basketball has been a marquis sport at Melrose, with the Lady Raiders reaching the Division II North finals for six consecutive seasons, including three titles and one appearance in the State Championship.
Melrose returns a veteran cast, led by two-time All-State, All-Scholastic Hannah Brickley, and plays its most ambitious schedule, including archrival Reading, improving Lexington, Stoneham under new Coach Andrew Viselli, some premier private schools, and perennial State Champion Barnstable, this year in Melrose.
Hannah Brickley racked up her second consecutive Boston Herald All-Scholastic honor in volleyball. Congratulations to her for continued outstanding performance.
The Volleyball Boosters Club, players, coaches, parents, families, and friends of Melrose volleyball celebrated the end of the 2008 season at Anthony's in Malden. In addition to an outstanding buffet, the players received recognition for their effort and achievements.
Although Coach Celli noted that the team was unable to reach their ultimate goal, they did achieve the following:
Middlesex League Champion
North Shore League Champion
Qualified for MIAA tournament
Division II North Finalist for the sixth consecutive season
Tied for second in most wins (22)
Overall record 22-3
Individual awards and recognition also included:
Middlesex League All-Stars: Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, Laura Irwin, Jess Farr
North Shore League All-Stars: Hannah Brickley, Colleen Hanscom, Jess Farr
ML and North Shore League Player of the Year: Hannah Brickley
Most Improved: Siena Mamayek
Top Serving Percentage: Hannah Brickley
Top Defender: Jess Farr
Coaches Award: Colleen Hanscom
Team MVP: Hannah Brickley
All-State: Hannah Brickley
Globe All-Scholastic and Herald All-Scholastic: Hannah Brickley
North Shore Coach of the Year: Scott Celli
School single season and career kills record: Hannah Brickley (eclipses Paula Sen)
School single season assist record: Colleen Hanscom (81 away from school career record of Amanda Hallett)
The distribution of varsity letters and junior varsity certificates
Kelly O'Neill received special recognition as the sole graduating senior, for both her leadership and service for four years in the program.
Additional entertainment included numerous photographs courtesy of local photographers Don Norris, Terry Bleiler, and Donna Larson, and the annual video slideshow season recap.
Coach Celli introduced the returning Captains (Hannah Brickley and Colleen Hanscom) as well as the newest electee, Laura Irwin.
The evening served as a very fitting tribute to an outstanding and deserving group of scholar athletes who achieved success in the classroom and on the court, while showing high character off the court as well.
Medfield crushed Central today, 25-18, 25-18, 25-14 to win yet another state title. Medfield defeated Melrose in five sets in 2005 in Melrose's previous appearance in the championship game.
Hannah Brickley once again was named to the Massachusetts Girls Volleyball Coaches all-state team. A three-year starter Hannah has led her team to three Division II North finals and two Middlesex League titles.
Melrose faced long odds against an undefeated Central Catholic team, a regional team that draws from many communities, and has a proud basketball tradition. Central prevailed for the second consecutive season, but moves to Division 1 next season.
Don Norris shows his pictorial magic once again in documenting the experience. Melrose had plenty of unity and spirit, but some critical injuries as well. _________________________________________________Melrose had some big shoes to fill... ...with Laura Irwin sidelined with an ankle injury. ____________________________________________________________ At times Melrose was helpless as 6/2" Katie Z. tips over the block ______________________________________________________________ Sophomore Athena Ziavras went after the slam aggressively. _______________________________________________________Siena Mamayek goes up against the Central block while the defense crouches ready. _________________________________________________________ Hannah Brickley was outstanding on both offense and defense, with Alex Harlow and libero Jess Farr (22)nearby. ______________________________________________________ As always, Melrose brought a large and enthusiastic crowd. Notice the low ceiling that contributed to EIGHTEEN balls played off the overhead and many near misses. ____________________________________________________________Hannah had a big task with the Central blocking. ____________________________________________ Hannah hitting into the teeth of the block. ______________________________________________________ Siena had a big year with another year of experience. ___________________________________________________________
Freshman Jill Slabacheski (8) gained valuable experience in her first sectional championship. _______________________________________________ Colleen Hanscom is a force as setter and defender. _______________________________________________ Athena spikes. __________________________________________________________ Siena is the picture of concentration. ______________________________________________________ There MUST be a story behind this picture. ___________________________________________________________ Jess Farr had an outstanding season at libero. ______________________________________________________ The lead offiicial gives the Central coach a yellow card. The officials deserved a yellow card for having a very consistent but poor outing concerning line calls and net violations. Melrose was the beneficiary of more than their share of calls. ____________________________________________________________ Hannah tips over Central's athletic duo of Zenevitch and Berg. ___________________________________________________ The Lady Raider captains accept the finalist trophy from an MIAA official. _______________________________________________________________ The team shows its disappointment after a valiant effort but third consecutive runnerup performance in the sectionals. They showed heart and toughness of which they should be proud.
Melrose made its sixth consecutive trip to Andover's Dunn Gymnasium but came up short against a tall and athletic Central Catholic squad, losing 14-25, 25-23, 23-25, and 20-25. Melrose finishes the season 22-3, tieing the 2003 team (22-2) with 22 wins for second place behind the 24-1 2005 team. Central moves on to the State semis Thursday at Algonquin.
I have seen many of Melrose's matches since 2002 and most of the big games over that span including all six D2 North finals. I have not seen a MORE dominant overall performance than the one that Hannah Brickley put on this evening, with everything from offensive and defensive net play to digging in the back row and hitting back row consistently. Central Catholic denied this Lady Raiders team and Hannah their first championship. She has become Melrose's Paul Pierce as she richly deserves a place near or at the top among the pantheon of Melrose's best athletes...ever.
Central dominated the first set despite five kills from Hannah, jumping out to an 8-3 lead before Melrose closed to 8-6. A Central run opened the lead to 13-6 and Melrose never really threatened.
Set two displayed a seesaw battle with Central usually on the long end, including leads of 19-15 and 21-16. Melrose closed to 21-18 and after a Central point, Melrose went on a spurt to lead 23-22 before the game was knotted at 23. On the next point, Hannah made a spectacular back to the net leaping reverse kill into the center of the defense for the point with Central unable to return the next point as Melrose evened sets at one. Hannah had nine kills (unofficially) in the frame, including 5 of the last 7 points.
Hannah wasn't the only one doing the lifting, as Colleen Hanscom's steadily set at championship level, Jess Farr had a wonderful game at libero, and Athena Ziavras had one of her best games. Siena Mamayek defended well at the net and overall the team played very well. Making no excuses, I noted Laura Irwin's absence with an ankle fracture as important.
Melrose had its chances in set three leading 19-15 and 21-18 before Central rallied back. In the warm gymnasium, both teams began to show wear and tear. Hannah added another incredible nine kills.
In the final game, Melrose and Central continued to battle hammer and tong with Melrose's last lead at 14-9. The Central offense wore down Melrose with versatile play from 6'2" BC scholarhip hoopster Katie Zenevitch and the crafty setting of Carolyn Eddy. Siena continued her solid defense at the net and Hannah put up another half dozen kills including the first four points.
From a technical standpoint, I have several observations. The officiating was terrible, although not necessarily against Melrose. The officials refused to call over the net, an obvious violation on numerous occasions. The line calls by one official were questionable including a key call to tie the score at 23 in the third set (in Melrose's favor) on a ball easily four inches (if not more) wide. The Central coach received a yellow card warning for protesting that call.
Additionally, the facility at Andover (the same for both teams) saw 18 balls go into the concrete overhead/rafters. I have written to the MIAA to complain about facilities before and never even received the courtesy of a reply. The MIAA should strongly consider moving the sectional finals to a gym with a higher ceiling.
Congratulations to the 2008 Lady Raiders on a memorable season. Individual honors will surely follow as well. Once again you have made us proud.
Our volleyball girls make memories for themselves and the Melrose community and Don Norris captures them and shares with us. Annemarie Wiesen (34) and Siena Mamayek share a light moment on the court. Like many Melrose volleyballers, both are not only standout athletes but terrific students. _____________________________________________________ Athena Ziavras attacks while Siena (24) and setter Colleen Hanscom stand ready. __________________________________________ Hannah Brickley leads the defense and the offense. __________________________________________________________ The defense never rests. Left to right, Kelly O'Neill, Alex Harlow, and Jess Farr. _______________________________________________________Youth will be served. Sophomore Athena with freshmen Alyssa DiRaffaele and Jill Slabacheski. _________________________________________________________ The future is now for (left to right) Jill, Alyssa, and Athena. ___________________________________________________________ First year player Sophomore Bridget Corso made an impact at the net and with the digs, too. ________________________________________________________ "Jill the Thrill" goes for the kill. ________________________________________________________ Fathers love watching their daughters compete. Howard Hanscom has plenty of experience watching and filming.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Melrose for their first D2 North title since 2005, going to Andover's Dunn Gymnasium for the sixth consecutive sectional championship final.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Melrose Lady Raiders advance to the Division 2 North championship, as they travel to Greater Lawrence and top the previously undefeated Reggies 3-0. Melrose overcame adversity, the loss of All-Star Laura Irwin with a fractured ankle, using a variety of combinations to survive and advance.
Melrose got out to a quick lead 7-0 behind a service run by Siena Mamayek, abetted by two quick kills by All-State middle Hannah Brickley. The Reggies closed to within 11-4, only to have Melrose gradually pull away to a 25-13 win. Among the highlights were eight kills by Hannah and a pair apiece from Siena Mamayek and freshman Jill Slabacheski.
Set two saw another early Melrose lead 6-0, and overall dominance in a 25-12 win. Hannah added another five kills and Siena four, in one of her best games of the season.
Melrose gained strength and confidence as the evening wore on, leading 7-0 and 15-4 in the third set. Sophomore Bridget Corso had a highlight dig early in the set, as she made her presence felt on both offense and defense, despite being a first year player to the sport. The athleticism of the young Lady Raiders was on display with Melrose's pair of freshmen and sophomores as well as the more experienced juniors and the lone senior, Kelly O'Neill. Hannah had another four kills in the frame and Siena tallied another trio.
Coach Scott Celli felt that the game was one of the strongest of the season for Melrose, especially considering the patchwork lineups necessitated by Laura's injury.
Melrose will play Central Catholic Saturday in the D2 North finals at Andover at 4:00 P.M. Last year Central beat Melrose to capture the sectional title.
Lady Raider fans wish Laura a speedy recovery from her injury.
Melrose (21-2) hosted the Greater Lowell Gryphons (13-8) and easily moved into the D2 North Semifinals with a 25-6, 25-13, 25-11. Melrose will face the winner of Greater Lawrence and O'Bryant Thursday.
Melrose quickly went out 8-0 as the Gryphons seemed intimidated by the quicker, taller Lady Raiders and the large playoff crowd. Melrose extended its lead to 15-3 and 24-4 before closing out the set. Athena Ziavras had four kills with Hannah Brickley and Siena Mamayek both adding a trio and Laura Irwin a pair.
Set two saw more of the same with Melrose liberally substituting in their entire roster. Laura had five kills, Hannah four, and the freshmen, Jill Slabacheski and Alyssa DiRaffaele each added a kill to their playoff resume.
Melrose finished the match with another quick 13-3 lead mostly with Greater Lawrence errors. It was a total team effort with a timely kill from Kelly O'Neill finishing the rout. Particularly noteworthy was the usual strong effort from setter Colleen Hanscom.
The easy playoff win helps get Melrose back on the track after some recent unevenness. If the seeding holds, Melrose will travel to Greater Lawrence on Thursday. An O'Bryant win will bring another home game to the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School.
Click photos to ENLARGE. These excellent photos courtesy of Don Norris and Terry Bleiler.
You play for all the girls of Melrose volleyball past and create a legacy for the future of Melrose volleyball. I had only four words for my daughters before every game, "play hard; have fun". The rest takes care of itself.
Melrose returns a veteran cast, led by two-time All-State, All-Scholastic Hannah Brickley, and plays its most ambitious schedule, including archrival Reading, improving Lexington, Stoneham under new Coach Andrew Viselli, some premier private schools, and perennial State Champion Barnstable, this year in Melrose.
Siena had a big year with another year of experience.
