Thursday, September 20, 2012
Quarter Pole
Twenty-five percent of the volleyball season has flown by. Melrose has emerged with five wins and been tested in only one set so far, an aberration in the home opener when the team transiently lost aggressiveness but escaped self-inflicted wounds.
The Lady Raiders have a ton of senior leadership, from tri-captains Brooke Bell, Amanda Commito, and Sarah McGowan, and have gotten great play from all. Their best all-around player could be Jen Cain, who has been 'nicked up' with injury, but provides steady play throughout. Bell and McGowan give you All-State play and the attendant statistical proof.
Surprises? Jill MacInnes has stepped in at libero and played at a high level, holding down that spot as well as anyone has in the past, and Melrose has had some great libero play through the years. Sophomore Allie Nolan has stepped up serving and defending.
In the categories of 'no surprise' are the expected high level play from the front row blockers Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland, abetted by improved hitting from Rachel, who looked exceptional against Lexington.
Senior Sydney Doherty and junior Annalisa DeBari continue to slug it out for time on the outside. Both have been solid. And the reserves, who will assume a huge role in 2013 show why there's cause for optimism down the line.
The core of the team is excellence at defense and without a doubt the best passing of any Lady Raider team in the past decade. In addition to Bell's setting, the front row passing is the best since 2005, with Wyland and Cain able to function as auxiliary setters.
With the 'iron' of the schedule coming up with the privates, Westborough and Newton North, the team is in good position to build upon early momentum.
But the best part is seeing excellent team chemistry, coordination, and a lot of smiles from the players.
Division 2 standings (not rankings) from Maxpreps.com.
The Lady Raiders have a ton of senior leadership, from tri-captains Brooke Bell, Amanda Commito, and Sarah McGowan, and have gotten great play from all. Their best all-around player could be Jen Cain, who has been 'nicked up' with injury, but provides steady play throughout. Bell and McGowan give you All-State play and the attendant statistical proof.
Surprises? Jill MacInnes has stepped in at libero and played at a high level, holding down that spot as well as anyone has in the past, and Melrose has had some great libero play through the years. Sophomore Allie Nolan has stepped up serving and defending.
In the categories of 'no surprise' are the expected high level play from the front row blockers Rachel Johnson and Kayla Wyland, abetted by improved hitting from Rachel, who looked exceptional against Lexington.
Senior Sydney Doherty and junior Annalisa DeBari continue to slug it out for time on the outside. Both have been solid. And the reserves, who will assume a huge role in 2013 show why there's cause for optimism down the line.
The core of the team is excellence at defense and without a doubt the best passing of any Lady Raider team in the past decade. In addition to Bell's setting, the front row passing is the best since 2005, with Wyland and Cain able to function as auxiliary setters.
With the 'iron' of the schedule coming up with the privates, Westborough and Newton North, the team is in good position to build upon early momentum.
But the best part is seeing excellent team chemistry, coordination, and a lot of smiles from the players.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Game 5: Melrose 3 Brockton 0
Melrose (5-0) hosted Brockton in a 'feature' game tonight, and came away with a knockout, dominating the Boxers 25-8, 25-12, and 25-10.
Melrose brought its 'A' game and had the Boxers reeling early and late, and the match was not as close as the score indicated.
After Brockton evened the score at one in the first set, Melrose then went on an 11-0 run highlighted by Jill MacInnes serves, crisp passing, and some thundering attacks by Sarah McGowan mixed in with clever attacks from Sydney Doherty. The lead ultimately extended to 24-7 with another lengthy service run from Brooke Bell.
For the set, Melrose had no service errors, and unofficially ten kills including four for Jen Cain and a brace apiece for McGowan, Doherty, and Rachel Johnson.
The second set saw slightly more competitive scoring early (Melrose leading 4-3), followed by a 17-1 explosion to widen the gap to 21-4. Melrose scored more often from Boxer errors and McGowan aces (4). Substitutions ensued and Melrose closed out the set 25-12, amidst service-error free volleyball and stout defense. Cain and McGowan continued to dominate offensively.
The third stanza saw more of the same, with Melrose finding a 12-2 lead after trailing 2-1 early. McGowan went on a killing spree at the net with a flurry of overpasses the trigger. She had six kills among the first thirteen points and eight for the set.
Again it was 'garbage time' early, with an opportunity for reserves to get some action. Melrose had just one service error for the match and finished off the set with an authoritative Doherty kill.
Lady Raider and Game Notes: Brockton had some good athletes but Melrose's defense, terrific passing, and offensiveness aggressiveness figuratively never allowed the Boxers off the ropes. Melrose made extremely few errors defensively and capitalized on Brockton errors for a one-sided win.
With some injuries or illness (Annalisa DeBari and Cassidy Barbaro), Ashley Harding sat on the varsity bench today.
Melrose hosts Wilmington Friday.
Melrose brought its 'A' game and had the Boxers reeling early and late, and the match was not as close as the score indicated.
After Brockton evened the score at one in the first set, Melrose then went on an 11-0 run highlighted by Jill MacInnes serves, crisp passing, and some thundering attacks by Sarah McGowan mixed in with clever attacks from Sydney Doherty. The lead ultimately extended to 24-7 with another lengthy service run from Brooke Bell.
For the set, Melrose had no service errors, and unofficially ten kills including four for Jen Cain and a brace apiece for McGowan, Doherty, and Rachel Johnson.
The second set saw slightly more competitive scoring early (Melrose leading 4-3), followed by a 17-1 explosion to widen the gap to 21-4. Melrose scored more often from Boxer errors and McGowan aces (4). Substitutions ensued and Melrose closed out the set 25-12, amidst service-error free volleyball and stout defense. Cain and McGowan continued to dominate offensively.
The third stanza saw more of the same, with Melrose finding a 12-2 lead after trailing 2-1 early. McGowan went on a killing spree at the net with a flurry of overpasses the trigger. She had six kills among the first thirteen points and eight for the set.
Again it was 'garbage time' early, with an opportunity for reserves to get some action. Melrose had just one service error for the match and finished off the set with an authoritative Doherty kill.
Lady Raider and Game Notes: Brockton had some good athletes but Melrose's defense, terrific passing, and offensiveness aggressiveness figuratively never allowed the Boxers off the ropes. Melrose made extremely few errors defensively and capitalized on Brockton errors for a one-sided win.
With some injuries or illness (Annalisa DeBari and Cassidy Barbaro), Ashley Harding sat on the varsity bench today.
Melrose hosts Wilmington Friday.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Boxers in Tomorrow
Perennial power Division I Brockton Boxers come in tomorrow for a match scheduled to begin at 6:30. Often these matches can go off early depending on how long the JV games go.
Brockton comes in at 4-2 with losses to defending state champion Barnstable and powerhouse North Quincy.
Maxpreps.com previews the game statistically here.
Local volleyball fans should be in for some quality play.
Brockton comes in at 4-2 with losses to defending state champion Barnstable and powerhouse North Quincy.
Maxpreps.com previews the game statistically here.
Local volleyball fans should be in for some quality play.
Junior Varsity Versus Wakefield
Amazingly enough, varsity volleyball players do not spring full grown like Sandro Botticelli's "Birth of Venus".
Often, a lengthy evolution from an introduction to the sport in elementary school, to preliminary instruction in middle school, off-season volleyball in area programs, and an apprenticeship through freshman and junior varsity ensues. While an increasing number are called, far fewer are chosen.
This season, Melrose will graduate seven seniors, and the meritocracy that is sport will call newcomers to the front (and literally) back lines.
Yesterday, Melrose hosted Wakefield in a JV match. Here are some images from a site referred to me from Jeff Mate'. These players are the future of Melrose volleyball. As always, click the image if you are not sure that the whole picture displays.
Often, a lengthy evolution from an introduction to the sport in elementary school, to preliminary instruction in middle school, off-season volleyball in area programs, and an apprenticeship through freshman and junior varsity ensues. While an increasing number are called, far fewer are chosen.
This season, Melrose will graduate seven seniors, and the meritocracy that is sport will call newcomers to the front (and literally) back lines.
Yesterday, Melrose hosted Wakefield in a JV match. Here are some images from a site referred to me from Jeff Mate'. These players are the future of Melrose volleyball. As always, click the image if you are not sure that the whole picture displays.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Reminders
You carry through life what you learn on your journey. The Pyramid of Success was a prominent fixture in our locker room.
John Wooden graduated from Purdue University in 1932 and thought a lot about what success meant. His definition became "success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable." His pyramid of success built a foundation upon which values could be carried throughout your life.
In addition to his Pyramid of Success (above), he had other suggestions for success. Wooden talked about success but not much about winning, because he believed that doing the right things would bring success.
From John Wooden and Steve Jamison
1. Fear no opponent. Respect every opponent.
2. Remember, it's the perfection of he smallest details that make big things happen.
3. Keep in mind that hustle makes up for many a mistake.
4. Be more interested in character than reputation (character is what you are, reputation is what others think of you).
5. Be quick, but don't hurry.
6. Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.
7. Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement (some call this metacognition).
8. Remember that there is no substitute for hard work and careful planning. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
In addition to his Pyramid of Success (above), he had other suggestions for success. Wooden talked about success but not much about winning, because he believed that doing the right things would bring success.
From John Wooden and Steve Jamison
1. Fear no opponent. Respect every opponent.
2. Remember, it's the perfection of he smallest details that make big things happen.
3. Keep in mind that hustle makes up for many a mistake.
4. Be more interested in character than reputation (character is what you are, reputation is what others think of you).
5. Be quick, but don't hurry.
6. Understand that the harder you work, the more luck you will have.
7. Know that valid self-analysis is crucial for improvement (some call this metacognition).
8. Remember that there is no substitute for hard work and careful planning. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
More Shots, Standings, and More
Images courtesy of Don Norris
An unusually long break between matches affords the team a chance to get healthy and practice for the big Brockton contest at home on Wednesday.
Middlesex League standings, according to Maxpreps.com
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