Photo Essay: Melrose Tops Belmont

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” - Henry Ford

Melrose volleyball continues to succeed, with a combination of athleticism, ability, and attitude. Team success emerges from a combination of work, discipline, sacrifice, and selflessness. Only six players can play at a time, and coaches agonize about having to choose those who give the team the best chance to win.

Coach Scott Celli (left) and Assistant Steve Wall have created consistent winners at Melrose High School, including three consecutive Division II North Champions and this year's 11-3 squad. Coming into this season, Melrose has won at least 20 contests each of the past three seasons (including playoffs). Not bad for a regular season of twenty matches.
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Setter Taylor Pearson replaced last year's record-setting setter Amanda Hallett seamlessly.

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Junior Gina Ciccone, a starter on last year's state finalist team, brings consistency to both the front row, back row, and the service line.

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Defender Sam Hamel brings toughness and flair to the back line.

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Co-Captain Laura Dillon knows 'Sister Act', having taken over from former MHS legend Kerry Dillon providing terrific play as libero.

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Leslie Hirschfeld has provided solid net play for the Lady Raiders in the middle.

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Melrose's tallest player, Nicole Glavin, provided key service points in the Belmont contest.

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Allie Brussard gives Melrose another option at the net and the service line.

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Lauren Howe in a reflective moment.

Game jerseys 50 dollars. Playoff tickets 6 dollars. A smile from outside hitter Lauren Howe (6)? Priceless.

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Kelsey Quinn has given Melrose powerful and consistent serves and potent back row defense this season.

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Co-Captain Laura Dillon ready to reject a Belmont offering. Dig it.

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Co-Captain Rachel Towle is Melrose's most experienced hitter, but puts up tough defense, too.

Being a good teammate counts. Here Rachel gives Gina a "low-five".

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Freshman Hannah Brickley has literally and figuratively enjoyed her breakout season as an impact player in the middle. Hannah has become a formidable blocker at midseason.

Here Hannah "hits it where they ain't", with a tricky 'dink' over the double block.

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Melrose has a long tradition of versatile multisport athletes starring on both the volleyball and the basketball court. Colleen Hanscom is the latest, making her varsity debut yesterday at setter, filling in for Taylor Pearson who sustained an injury.

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Not far away. The Class of 2010 has some terrific athletes who will contribute for years to come. Here Jess Farr bumps one back for the JV.

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Three stalwarts for the JV this season have been Colleen Hanscom (14), Allie Walsh (32) and Laura Irwin (17).

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Post 'em if you got 'em. This isn't an unknown, just the best shot we've got of sophomore Kelly O'Neill. Kelly's leadership has helped acclimate the freshmen to a winning environment.

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Alex Harlow brings a unique dimension to the JV as their only southpaw.

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Focused on contributing soon, from left, Katherine Hartigan, Liz Dellisola, Annemarie Wiesen, Devyn O'Brien, Alex Kupchaunis, Teagan Bell, and Jenny Hinkle. The Junior Varsity is an important and close part of the Melrose volleyball program.

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Photographs Courtesy of Terry Bleiler of Prestige Portraits.

Marauders Leave Empty-Handed, Melrose 3-0

The Lady Raiders ran their record to 11-3 (5-1 Middlesex League) with a straight game victory over the Belmont Marauders. Belmont brought a young and enthusiastic team to 'The Igloo' at Roosevelt School Gymnasium, but proved no match for Melrose.

Melrose struck early and often in Game 1, running out to a 16-3 lead, as Belmont had trouble coping with serves from Hannah Brickley and Gina Ciccone who ran off runs of 5 and 8 points respectively. Co-captain Rachel Towle had three kills in the game as well, as Melrose won handily 25-6.

In game 2, Belmont caught Melrose flat-footed, staking a 3-0 lead, and holding the Lady Raiders even at 10-10. But Melrose blew the game open as Nicole Glavin had a powerful service run from 11-10 to 18-10.Unofficially Hannah Brickley had four kills during the game, which Melrose won 25-14. Nicole Glavin provided a big spark during the key moments of Game 2.

Game 3 saw Melrose jump out in front 10-5 and extend their lead to 17-6, before closing out Belmont 25-11. Taylor Pearson went out with some shoulder stiffness, and Freshman Colleen Hanscom made her varsity debut, filling in admirably and getting her first varsity assist on a Monstah Kill by Rachel Towle.

Lady Raider Notes: Melrose hosts one of the stronger ML teams Wednesday as Lexington comes to town.

The ML portion of the schedule will expand over the next two seasons, as Watertown adds volleyball in 2007 and Winchester in 2008. With the Cape Ann League games, that will allow only two non-league games in 2007, but six in 2008 as the Cape Ann League part of the schedule gets revamped.

More open dates would allow Melrose to play some of the stronger teams in the area to prepare for tournament action.

The Junior Varsity topped Belmont 2-1 with particularly fine play during the tiebreaker. Many of the younger Lady Raiders show the athleticism, improving ability, and competitive attitude that promises to continue the Melrose volleyball tradition going forward. "Tradition never graduates."

Something Old, Something New...

Thanks as always to Melrose's Don Norris for the terrific team photographs

This is one of our favorites, that captures the action and the intensity of Melrose volleyball. Leslie Hirschfeld and Gina Ciccone set up the double block, and Taylor Pearson and Rachel Towle (27) get into defensive position.

Taylor (1) sets and Nicole Glavin gets ready to hit, with Gina (5) looking on.

Freshman Hannah Brickley has provided invaluable defense and toughness at the net since moving into the lineup.

Been there. Done that. Gina and Laura Dillon (15) celebrate a point in their big win over Division III leader and last year's state finalist North Reading. Gina and Laura played big roles on last year's 24-1 state finalist team.

Melrose came out of their toughest stretch of the year, 4-2, playing at their best as the team heads toward the playoffs. From left, Coach Scott Celli, Laura Dillon, Hannah Brickley, and Assistant Coach Steve Wall.

Allie Brussard brings her big serve to the lineup.

Team meeting before the game. From left, Hannah, Laura, Allie, Taylor, Rachel, Kelsey Quinn, Lauren Howe, and Leslie. Why do we play? (Click and wait to play)

What, me worry? Nicole (13) and Gina look very relaxed as they prepare to face North Reading. A confident team plays relaxed, focus volleyball.

The Lady Raiders get lots of support from the Melrose community. Here Dick Collis of 'The Back Row Boys' and the Melrose Athletic Hall of Fame Committee shares his thoughts with Jen Cohane, a big hitter from Melrose volleyball history.

Melrose gives Hornets Big Dose of RAID

Melrose came in seeking their tenth win of the season and a berth in the MIAA post-season tournament against the 10-1 Hornets of North Reading. About an hour later, after total domination and their best effort of the season, the Lady Raiders departed the victor with a 3-0 victory. Melrose controlled the games winning 25-11, 25-15, 25-14.

Melrose's battle against always tough Arlington Catholic prepared the Lady Raiders for the best of the Cape Ann League. Game 1 started tentatively for the locals, as they trailed 5-3, but after a North Reading error, Rachel Towle ran off five serves in a row to bring the lead to -5, and following a couple of Hornet points, Leslie Hirschfeld delivered six consecutive service points to extend the lead to 15-7 and Melrose never looked back.

Melrose's offense had the visitors on their heels, with offense coming from the flanks, led by Rachel and Lauren Howe, the middle by Nicole Glavin, and strong defense at the net with double blocks from Gina Ciccone and Hannah Brickley and individual defense by Leslie.

Melrose fell behind 2-0 in game 2, then ran off 10 in a row, behind Kelsey Quinn's serve, and a variety of spikes and kills by Hannah (3), Taylor Pearson (1) and Rachel. The Hornets responded with four points, but the Lady Raiders kicked it up a notch to go up 14-7. Later in the game Gina had a five service point run to extend the lead to 22-13. North Reading's scrambling defense just couldn't contain the Melrose offense.

Game 3 brought early competition with the score knotted at 9, with limited offense but spirited defensive rallies. Then Melrose pulled away as Taylor had a service run of eleven, with Hannah delivering another trio of kills with some pretty dinks and deflections. The Lady Raiders closed out the game with a pair of spectacular kills from Nicole as 'Glav' showed she both pound the ball and direct it as well.

Score by Games

Melrose--- 25 25 25

N. Reading 11 15 14

Friday Showdown

The Melrose Lady Raiders (9-3, 4-1 Middlesex League) host North Reading (10-1) tomorrow at the Roosevelt School Gymnasium. The Hornets suffered their first loss this week, a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Middlesex League rival Reading.

The hard-working girls and their coaches work to improve all aspects of their game. Melrose's service consistency may be the best in the past five years. Taylor Pearson's setting continues to give Melrose a chance to compete, and the back row defense has likewise made signficant progress since the beginning of the season. The team's aggressiveness at the net defensively continues to grow as Leslie Hirschfeld, Nicole Glavin, and Hannah Brickley gain experience. The outside hitting is another one of the team's strengths, with Rachel Towle the leading hitter.

As the team matures, we can watch for ongoing improvement in team communication and coordination on the floor, always a Melrose strong point.

Here's a video showing Olympic level striking, with players demonstrating the two step 'runup', powerful leaping, and the follow-through necessary to pwer hitting.

Here's another great example of the two step runup, with arms launching the player into hitting position.

Melrose can use all the support it can get to battle the top-ranked team in Division III and Cape Ann League leader. Be there, 4 p.m. at the Roosevelt School Gymnasium.

Cougars Claw Melrose, 3-0

Melrose traveled to Arlington to face the Arlington Catholic Cougars, renewing a bitter rivalry going back several years. In 2002, AC defeated Melrose in the playoffs' second round. In 2003, Melrose thrashed the heavily favored Cougars to take the Division II North title, and last year Melrose eliminated AC from the postseason in a hard-fought game at Stoneham. But today, the action fell to the Cougars 3-0.

Limited details are available (at this time), but AC won in a close match 26-24, 25-23, and 25-21 according to our sources. AC had the superior offense with Maria Scocca at the net, and Elise Caira hitting back row, yet Melrose played solid defense and had their opportunities but couldn't convert.

Melrose hosts North Reading Friday at 4 p.m. at Roosevelt School Gymnasium. North Reading was undefeated going into yesterday's match versus Reading. The score was not available in the Globe today or at Cape Ann League scores.

Melrose-Lynnfield Photos

Nicole Glavin soars to deliver a powerful slam from the outside. Nicole's power game will be vital for Melrose as they go down the stretch and into the playoffs.
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Gina Ciccone goes airborne to deliver a point for the Lady Raiders. Gina excels with her back row defense and is versatile enough to be both a hitter and the emergency setter.
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Co-captain Rachel Towle is a powerful outside hitter with the uncommon skill of striking the ball down the sideline.
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Co-captain Laura Dillon brings experience to the defense from her libero slot. Laura brings lots of playoff experience to the team as well.
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Lauren Howe goes high with one of her numerous kills from the outside hitter slot.
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Allie Brussard is a picture of concentration as she gets ready on the defense.
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Allie's cousin Leslie Hirschfeld has come on strong recently in the middle. Here she drives one past the Lynnfield defender, with setter (T.P.) Taylor Pearson in the foreground.
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Many thanks to the 'Eye" of Melrose volleyball, Melrose's Don Norris.

Melrose Stops Lynnfield

The Lynnfield Pioneers got a chilly reception today at "The Igloo", Roosevelt School Gymnasium, losing 3-0 to the 9-2 Melrose Lady Raiders.

Lynnfield, 4-7 overall, couldn't generate offense against Melrose, and although Melrose wasn't as consistent offensively as they might have liked, they had enough defense and volleying skills to win.

Melrose, coming off a big win against North Andover last week, didn't have as much energy today, possibly looking ahead to a big game tomorrow against once-beaten Arlington Catholic, which had lost only to a powerful North Quincy squad.

Co-captain Rachel Towle and Lauren Howe led the offense today, with stout efforts in the back line from Gina Ciccone, Sam Hamel, and co-captain Laura Dillon.

AC will be looking for blood in their bandbox gym, as they seek to avenge elimination beatings from the Lady Raiders in both volleyball and hoops last season. AC features basketball All-Scholastic Elise Caira and Melrose native Maria Scocca, as well as returning both height and experience.

Melrose is now 4-1 in the Middlesex League, 1-1 in non-league contests, and 4-0 against Cape Ann League foes, with contests against CAL leader North Reading and Masconomet remaining. Reading faced off against undefeated North Reading today, with scores not available as of this writing.

4th in Herald D2 Volleyball Poll

The Boston Herald volleyball rankings came out today, and Melrose received considerable respect for their accomplishments so far.

In Division I, perennial state champion Barnstable received top billing, followed by Newton North (whom Melrose beat in a scrimmage), and Andover, which dominated Melrose last week.

In Division II, last year's champion Medfield ranked first, and Melrose was recognized in the fourth spot, high praise, although Arlington Catholic was overlooked in the Herald poll.

Melrose hosts Lynnfield (Tuesday), travels to Arlington Catholic (Wednesday), and hosts North Reading (ranked first in Division III) Friday.

Melrose Volleyball versus Andover Photos

Successful volleyball programs don't form out of thin air. They require players, parental and community support, and coaching.

Behind every successful varsity team, a progressing JV roster lies.

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Skills learned at the JV level, digging, passing, serving, blocking, hitting, and team interactions translate into varsity wins.

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The Melrose varsity roster, from left, Hannah Brickley, Sam Hamel, Gina Ciccone, Leslie Hirschfeld, Nicole Glavin, Taylor Pearson, Laura Dillon, Allie Brussard, Rachel Towle, and Kelsey Quinn. Lauren Howe not included in photo.

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Nicole goes up against the formidable double block from undefeated Andover.

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Melrose co-captain Rachel Towle goes high to deliver a point for the Lady Raiders.

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“Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” - Vince Lombardi

“It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get up.” ibid

“ Failures are expected by losers, ignored by winners.” - Joe Gibbs

“No one has ever drowned in sweat.” - Lou Holtz

“We should not have to push you to work hard, you should work hard because you want to be a great player.” - Bobby Knight

“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.” - Tommy Lasorda

“Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things.”- Joe Paterno

“Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points.” - Knute Rockne

“Don't measure yourself by what you have accomplished, but by what you should have accomplished with your ability.” - John Wooden

Photographs courtesy of Don Norris.

Photo Essay: Melrose Tops North Andover

The Lady Raiders have enjoyed a solid first half of the season, making the turn with eight wins and two losses amidst their toughest stretch of the regular season.

Junior Gina Ciccone goes high to deliver a kill. Gina brings a lot of experience to the Lady Raiders.

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Junior Leslie Hirschfeld uses her height to advantage spiking one back to the Knights. Getting on top of the ball presents a critical challenge for optimal hitting.

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Leslie and Gina combine for a "double block".

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Gina has served consistently since starting last season as a sophomore.

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Melrose doesn't travel alone, with great community support from parents, the "Back Row Boys", and volleyball fans.

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Senior Defender Sam Hamel digs out a North Andover spike.

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Effective play requires great coordination, communication, and teamwork. You can see the Lady Raiders focused to defend as the spike goes across the net.

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Freshman Hannah Brickley has provided vital offense and net defense for the Lady Raiders. Gina, Lauren, Laura Dillon, and Taylor Pearson prepare for action.

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From left, Leslie, Nicole Glavin, Allie Brussard, and Sam Hamel look on. That Vitamin Water must be good.

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The Lady Raiders remain close on and off the court. Here Laura Dillon gets props from Nicole Glavin.

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The team takes a breather between games. From left, Leslie (22), "L Dill", Taylor Pearson (1), Kelsey (18), and Nicole Glavin (13).

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Parental involvement means a lot in school and in sports. Taylor's Mom was Melrose's "Basketball Mother of the Year" and has supported volleyball with equal enthusiasm.

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Gina Ciccone brings intensity to the court in volleyball and basketball, as well as to the field for Melrose softball.

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Senior Kelsey Quinn is one of Melrose's best servers and defenders.

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Melrose faces always tough Lynnfield Tuesday at the Roosevelt School Gymnasium.

Photographs courtesy of Melrose's Don Norris, experienced volleyballer and USVBA official.

Better Days, Melrose 3-0

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days
'Cause I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
'Cause everyone is forgiven now
'Cause tonight's the night the world begins again
--Better Days, the Goo Goo Dolls

Melrose (7-2) traveled to North Andover to face the high-flying Knights (6-3), whom the Lady Raiders defeated in last year's Division II North final. And Melrose continued their four year streak of avoiding consecutive defeats, topping North Andover 3-0, gaining their 8th win of the year.

Melrose, searching for its identity, may have found it with a strong defensive effort. North Andover took the early lead to start Game 1, but Melrose countered to go up 8-5. From there it was back and forth with NA leading 12-11 before Hannah Brickley made a spectacular save to keep the ball alive and allow Melrose to tie the score at twelve. Melrose got a big run with Hannah serving to go up 20-13, but NA rallied back to close the game to 21-18. Some key 'dinks' by Rachel Towle and Taylor Pearson got Melrose the advantage and they closed out the game 25-22. Although a great team effort solidified the first game, individual efforts from Hannah Brickley, Rachel Towle, and Leslie Hirschfeld put the Lady Raiders over the top.

In Game 2, the Knights broke out on top 3-0 and 7-3, but Melrose hung in there, to get the score to 11-8. A North Andover net serve cost them, and Melrose knotted the score at 11. More solid net play from Rachel Towle and Lauren Howe allowed Melrose to stay close, with NA leading 19-16. Again, solid net play, trailing 21-19 allowed Melrose to dominate down the stretch to pull out the win, 25-21. Stout efforts from Rachel, Taylor, and Hannah led the way in Game 2.

Game 3 showed Melrose's growing confidence as they burst to a 5-2 lead with kills from Howe and Towle. NA tried to hang in, but a Howe kill and consecutive aces from Towle gave Melrose at 12-4 lead. The Lady Raiders never looked back from that point, with four blocks from Hannah and solid back row play by Laura Dillon spurring a 25-12 win.

Score by Games

Melrose 25 25 25
N. Ando 22 21 12

(It's about the team. Photo courtesy of Don Norris)

Game analysis (provided by the Back Row Boys). Melrose needed a win as they continue to face the iron of the North Shore League. North Andover poses defensive challenges, but lacks the size and offensive firepower of some of the other teams Melrose faces. Melrose's defense thwarted the NA offense, and better passing allowed the V-ballers to get it done.

The Lady Raiders finish the first half of the season 8-2, 4-1 in the Middlesex League, 3-0 against Cape Ann opponents, and 1-1 in other non-league tilts. Melrose has traditionally been a better second half team, as the overall team coordination improves, along with skill development in the brief but intense volleyball campaign.

Teams become champions through the assimilation of ability, athleticism, and attitude. Outstanding teams and superior players make plays during the big moments of big games. Fortune has smiled on the Lady Raiders, providing them with many such players over the years who responded in key situations. The second half of the season will provide Melrose the opportunity to shine, as they make us proud of their effort.

(Scoring and summary courtesy of Dick Collas)

Andover Exacts Revenge, 3-0, as Lady Raiders Lose 1st Time in Dunn Gymnasium

Melrose journeyed to Andover's Dunn Gymnasium to face an always tall and talented Andover Warriors squad, which defeated the Lady Raiders 3-0.

(Melrose scrambles to get into position to return serve)

Coach Scott Celli knew that Andover would be tough, going with a taller starting lineup including Nicole Glavin, Leslie Hirschfeld, and Hannah Brickley. Andover jumped out to a 6-0 lead before Melrose scored on a missed Warrior serve. Andover raced out to a 13-2 lead before Melrose could regroup to pull within 16-11, as Andover substituted. During the comeback Glavin and Brickley blocks contributed to the comeback. Hannah Brickley and Rachel Towle had solid performances in Game 1 and Leslie Hirschfeld had a couple of nice digs as Andover captured the game 25-14.

(HW contested Melrose attacks with double blocks)

Game 2 was more closely contested with the game tied at 6 before Andover ran off four points. Trailing 14-11, Melrose reeled off five consecutive points on Glavin serves before Andover kicked it up a notch to win going away 25-19. Laura Dillon sparkled in the back row in Game 2.

(Lauren Howe goes high to deliver the kill.)

Game 3 looked promising as Melrose went out to a 9-5 lead, including more Dillon digs and another five serve run by Nicole Glavin. Unfortunately, the Warriors responded like Xena, running off twelve of the next thirteen points to go up 17-10. Melrose punched back to 17-13 behind three Rachel Towle serves, but Andover's consistency gave them the victory 25-16.

(Going in or coming out, the Lady Raiders flash winning smiles.)

Game Scores

Andover 25 25 25
Melrose 14 19 16

Lady Raider Notes. Coach Celli continues to make changes, trying to field winning combinations. Melrose's back row defense improved today, but the offense continues to seek consistency in both passing and hitting as the team continues this challenging schedule equivalent to the Masters' "Amen Corner**."

Tomorrow Melrose faces another challenge against a veteran North Andover team whom Melrose beat twice last season, including the Division II North finals. The game is at North Andover.

** Many thanks to the Back Row Boys for providing a scoring summary and analysis.

Photos courtesy of Don Norris.

"Why Do We Play?"

A lot of blood, sweat, and tears goes into a team. Discipline, sacrifice, and effort come before 'victory' in the sports dictionary. Here the coaches and teammates cheer for Melrose against Hamilton-Wenham.

The Lady Raiders celebrate a hard-fought win. From left, Laura, Taylor, Leslie, Sam (catching a ride), Kelsey, Hannah, and Gina.

One anthem for the Lady Raiders has been the
question, "why do we play?", with the answer, "because we like it."

Melrose will need a big effort against Andover today, at Andover.

Photographs courtesy of Don Norris.

Melrose Volleyball History

“Sports doesn’t build character, it reveals it.” – John Wooden

Melrose volleyball has earned its reputation as one of the best and most consistent teams in Massachusetts. In addition to winning three consecutive Division II North titles and going to the state championship last season, the team won the MIAA Coaches’ Sportsmanship Award in 2004 for the entire state.

Making a competitive team isn’t a chip shot or a certainty. Girls learn volleyball skills earlier each year, and prepare for the opportunity just to become part of the program. Girls compete vigorously to make the team, and the competition doesn’t end there. Everyone wants not only to be a member of the team, but a constant contributor on the floor.

Coaches Celli and Wall have an introductory meeting each year to set expectations and the tone for the players and the parents. They explain how players can contribute in many ways, through determined practice, exemplary attitude, and of course, demonstration of improving skills. They also inform the players know that they will earn playing time in varying degrees according to their progress. Not everyone will play as much as they would like. The ultimate goal is having a winning team, playing up to its full potential. Understandably, players and parents often find this difficult.

“The race doesn’t always go to the swiftest or the battle to the strongest, but it pays to bet that way.”

Although many players have earned attention locally and some throughout the state, few have accomplished more than a girl who played several years ago- being a great teammate. She wasn’t the star of the team, in fact she often played only relatively late in the games when the outcome had been decided. She came to practice every day, practiced hard, and became the best player she could be. She knew she wouldn’t be in the game at the big moments, while some younger, less experienced but promising players would be. She accepted this as a great teammate, because she valued being part of the team and contributing however she could. Her best friend, Marianne Foley, became an All-Scholastic, while she cheered and supported the team. Both shared the moment of becoming Melrose's first Division II North volleyball champions, a team that went 22-2 and came within a point of going to the state championship, losing to the ultimate champions, Marlboro. And everyone knew that Danielle Burke was a great teammate, a part of Melrose volleyball history.

Lady Raider Comeback Grounds Generals, 3-2

Melrose raised its record to 7-1 with a heart-stopping five game win over Hamilton Wenham this afternoon.

Hamilton-Wenham brought a new coach who replaced Jill Pasquarelli, and a new attitude to the Roosevelt School Gymnasium today, as the Generals (5-3) came in loaded for bear. HW got off to a slow start, but using their superior height to slow down Melrose with double blocks, captured Game 1, 25-21.

Melrose inserted freshman Hannah Brickley into the lineup for Game 2, and she energized the lineup with several key blocks leading to kills, slowing down the Generals' offense. Melrose held a six point lead late, surrendered it, but came back to win it 26-24.(MELROSE) Freshman Hannah Brickley contributes to the Lady Raiders' 7-1 start.

Unfortunately for the locals, Melrose couldn't carry the momentum into the third game, as HW dominated throughout, continuing to block Melrose's outside hitters, frustrating Melrose. HW won Game 3 handily 25-18.

But turnabout was fair play, and Rachel Towle (over 20 kills for the match) came back with a vengence in the fourth game, leading the Lady Raiders to a commanding 25-16 win, with total points even at 90 after almost an hour and a half of volleyball. Lauren Howe made her presence known with some strong kills during the game.(MELROSE) Rachel Towle warms up before today's game.

The deciding and fifth game is fifteen points, making getting off to a good start crucial. HW got the opening point, and the teams traded points to 2. Nicole Glavin then had a nice service run to 5-3, but again the teams went into back-and-forth mode, with HW gaining the edge 11-10. At eleven, Rachel Towle took over with three consecutive kills, powerfully smashing down and across the court, before scoring an acrobatic overhead from a nearly impossible angle to put Melrose up 13-11. At thirteen, Hannah Brickley came up big with a vital kill, and Melrose subsequently closed out the match.

Melrose's perseverance overcame several areas where the team struggled today, with an unusual number of missed serves, and chaotic back row defense, partly caused by the HW height and power offense. Today's victory pleased Coach Celli who noted how the championship teams can win big games even when they're struggle in some facets of the game.

Lady Raider Notes. Melrose travels to Andover Thursday to meet the Division I powerhouse Warriors, who finished as runnerup to perennial champion Barnstable last season. Last season the Lady Raiders seized a five game victory in one of the signature victories of Coach Celli's and the program's history.

The JV played hard in today's action, but lost a three game struggle to their counterparts from HW.

Challenge

Melrose (6-1 overall) hosts Hamilton-Wenham (5-3) in a North Shore League tilt at Roosevelt School Gymnasium, Tuesday October 3rd, at 4 p.m. HW Coach Jill Pasquarelli has coached a number of Melrose players in the past on the Junior Olympics circuit. The Generals have faced a number of Melrose opponents this season, beating Lexington 3-2, topping Bishop Fenwick 3-1, edging Wilmington 3-2, and losing to Reading 3-0. However, they gave undefeated North Reading a battle, losing 3-2 and similarly fell to potent North Andover, Melrose's victim in last year's D2 North final, 3-1.

The Lady Raiders have gained valuable experience over the first third of the season, excelling defensively from the back row and from the service line, and growing in hitting power, passing, and net play.

Rachel Towle and Nicole Glavin have led the way at the net, aided by steady improvement from Lauren Howe, Leslie Hirschfeld, and freshman Hannah Brickley. Taylor Pearson has provided steadiness all year at setter. Gina Ciccone's return from injury has sparked the passing game, along with the defense of Laura Dillon and Sam Hamel. Kelsey Quinn has proven Melrose's most dominant server, with Allie Brussard coming on strong recently as a service specialist.

The Lady Raiders look forward to seeing a large and enthusiastic crowd as they grow in the middle third of another challenging schedule.

Lady Raider Notes: The girls held a very successful car wash at Melrose High School last Saturday, with great support from the Melrose community. Captains Rachel Towle and Laura Dillon led an enthusiastic group of V-Ballers in washing cars and sponsoring a raffle as a fundraiser for the volleyball program.