North Quarterfinals: Kid Stuff, Melrose 3 Wayland 0

Tradition never graduates. Melrose's youth movement prevailed over gritty Wayland, 25-18, 28-26, and 25-23. It wasn't easy. 

Melrose dominated the first set led by attacks from Emma Randolph, Melrose's leading hitter. There was plenty of support from the entire cast and no nerves evident from Melrose's freshman setter, Autumn Whelan. Melrose led 24-15 and Wayland had some late momentum to narrow the gap. 

Designated server sophomore Kiki Kiernan was flawless in her role during the match. 

The second set started well for Wayland with an early 4-0 lead, before a Lady Raider timeout by Coach Scott Celli spurred a 6-0 run. But Wayland reversed the momentum and led 12-7 and 20-14 before Melrose struck back. Libero Nicole Abbott had a miraculous get in the back that Emma rescued and turned into a winner. Grace Davis and Claire Albuja proved a blocking force.

Melrose got the edge and had three set points before finally capturing the frame. Steady play from Erin Torpey, Emily Hudson, and Claire Albuja up front, and Nicole and Mary-Kate Mahoney turned the tide. 

The third set was competitive throughout with Randolph kills keeping Melrose close. Wayland led 23-22 but ran into the long arms of Emily Hudson who got a fingertip attack to roll down the net for a winner and followed it up with a block kill in the middle. Wayland went into the net for an error to send Melrose to the sectional semis Thursday. 

Lady Raider Notes: 

There was excellent support for both clubs tonight, especially from local fans. 

The chalk dominated tonight with a quartet of 3-0 wins. On the left side of the bracket, Middlesex League Burlington faces top seed AC. On the right, Melrose faces two-seed Lynnfield. Both games are at Stoneham. 

Quarterfinal Playoff Game Tonight at 6:00, Home Against Wayland

Live the dream. 

Stat Update

Melrose hosts Wayland Tuesday 6 P.M. armed with statistical leaders in multiple categories in Massachusetts (via Maxpreps.com).

Emma Randolph has broken into the top ten in total kills. Emily Hudson checks in at 40th and Erin Torpey at 75th. None are seniors.

Setters Kiki Kiernan (5.9) and Autumn Whelan (5.4) both are in the top 51. 

Libero Nicole Abbott is 28th in digs. 

Melrose has the firepower to succeed in the post-season. 

Wayland has fared well on the road (6-5) this season and played a number of Middlesex League opponents. 

Melrose Hosts Wayland Tuesday at 6 PM

Wayland upset Danvers to advance to face Melrose in the quarterfinals Tuesday. 

Story from Boston Globe...three of five sets went to extra points. 

Melrose - Lynn Classical Photoessay

Images courtesy Bill Heafey. Click the image to enlarge. 

A young Melrose squad gets younger with postseason opportunities for sophormore Adriana Centrella (8) and freshmen Abby Hudson (55) and Elena Soukos (40). 

Bracketology:

A Melrose - Danvers rematch from 2017 is likely. 

First Round: Melrose 3 Lynn Classical 1

Melrose won the MIAA matinee, defeating six seed Lynn Classical in four sets in Lynn. 

Melrose had an offensive explosion with almost fifty kills. 

Emma Randolph combined with Erin Torpey and Emily Hudson for forty kills, Emma with 21.

Freedom Division co-MVP Nicole Abbott had 19 digs. 

Freshman setter Autumn Whelan added 35 assists. 

Survive and Advance:

Melrose, Burlington, and Tewksbury book tickets to the quarterfinals. 

More Recognition for Volleyball Team

Melrose heads into the postseason with a raft of honors.

Erin Torpey, Emma Randolph, Nicole Abbott, Mary-Kate Mahoney are Middlesex League All Stars

Nicole Abbott- Middlesex League All Conference Team (top 6 in the league)

Nicole Abbott- Co MVP of Middlesex League (Freedom)

Congratulations to the players, their families, teammates, and coaches who made this possible.

Honors for Emma

Max preps.com Massachusetts player of the week.

https://twitter.com/mhsredraiders/status/1057413763941482496?s=21

Game 20: Central 3 Melrose 1

Melrose finished its 2018 regular season 13-7 with a four set defeat to Central Catholic. 

Melrose won the opening frame but Central's size and athleticism wore the locals down. 

Emma Randolph led Melrose with 15 kills followed by Emily Hudson (9) and Erin Torpey (8).

Dig it. Melrose defenders spread out the digs with four players in double digits, led by libero Nicole Abbott. 

Bracketology - Melrose Volleyball

Melrose (13-7) drew the eleven seed in Division 2 North. 

Lynnfield is the "power" team on the right side of the bracket and Melrose goes on the road in their opening matchup at Lynn Classical. The winner of Lynn Classical - Melrose will likely face Danvers whom Melrose played in the postseason last year. 

Melrose - Westborough Volleyball Photoessay

Images courtesy of Bill Heafey. Click the photos to enlarge. 

"This is your team." 

Achievements...

12 consecutive league titles 
8 sectional championships 
4 state finals appearances
1 state championship 
0 excuses 

Winning is hard.