Going to the 'Ship

The Cycle of Life. Freshman Hannah Brickley (25) watched the playoffs from the stands last season. Senior Rachel Towle wants another D2 North title for her trophy case.

____________________________________________ Assistant Coach Steve Wall towers over the group. As usual, you can see Taylor Pearson 'hydrating'.

_____________________________________________

Kelsey Quinn (L) and Lauren Howe are into the game.

__________________________________________

Ryan Celli gets some pointers from Dad.

___________________________________________

Rachel 'for whom the kill' Towle's smash...

_____________________________________________

Coach Scott Celli puts his fiery brand on the Lady Raiders' program.

____________________________________________

Nicole Glavin shows her 'ups'.

___________________________________________

Gina puts it around or through the double blocks.

__________________________________________

"We told you, we called heads."

_____________________________________________

Laura Dillon gets it done at libero, just like big sis Kerry did.

__________________________________________

Kelly O'Neill was a playoff callup for the Lady Raiders.

_______________________________________
Comin' at ya. Rachel Towle, with 14 kills, had her game face on.

_________________________________________ What, me worry? Not Freshman reserve setter Colleen Hanscom.

__________________________________________ Nicole Glavin has made big contributions to the Melrose attack down the stretch.

_________________________________________Gina Ciccone looks as though she's got the volleyball world on a string.

_____________________________________________ Freshman Laura Irwin has the skills to become a dominant hitter.

_________________________________________Girls just wanna have fun. Taylor Pearson and Sam Hamel (2) share a moment.

_________________________________________Juniors Lauren Howe (left) and Allie Brussard have some yuks.

_________________________________________Middle Leslie Hirschfeld looks like a picture out of Sports Illustrated in this effort.

_______________________________________Feel good to win? "Oh, yeah."

__________________________________________

"Glav" gets a congratulatory hug from one of the "First Mothers" of Melrose volleyball.

____________________________________________

Many thanks to Don Norris for his terrific camera skills.

'Ship' Shape, Melrose 3-0

The Melrose Lady Raiders (18-4) have played their best volleyball in the playoffs, and tonight was no exception. Hosting the Central Catholic Raiders at Stoneham, Melrose prevailed 3-0 in a thrilling match and advanced to the Division II North Championship for the fourth consecutive season.

Melrose extended their four year record to 84-11 with the victory.

Melrose defeated Central 3-0 during the regular season, as Central's star, Adrienne Boss was absent with illness. Tonight Boss was back in the lineup, with another powerful three sport star, Melissa Lucas, and a host of athletic girls from Central. But Melrose had too much, particularly in crunch time, and faces the AC-Hamilton-Wenham winner Saturday at Andover's Dunn Gymnasium.

In game one, Melrose simply dominated, with Kelsey Quinn's service a big factor, winning 25-14. Rachel Towle was on fire with a half dozen kills and the back row was stout.

Game two showed much of the same, until Central rallied, with Melrose getting more great defense, but Central working back into rallies, Boss coming on, and Melrose pulling it out 25-23.
Nicole Glavin (hitting) came up big, with help from Leslie Hirschfeld (33) and Sam Hamel (2) among others.

Game three was a barnburner, with Melrose jumping out 14-7 before the Raiders came on hard, tying the score at 17. Melrose was playing tentatively and trailed 22-20, before Nicole Glavin, stepping out of the shadows again, put on a series of smashes and dinks to save Melrose in overtime 27-25. As on Tuesday, Glavin's offense, steadiness, and decision-making was THE DIFFERENCE. Coach Scott Celli was thrilled with both the effort and the outcome, praising all the players, but noting the 'great defense' and Nicole's fantastic play down the stretch. He added that she has worked extremely hard in practice to become a top contributor to the team's success.

Game Scores:

Melrose 25 25 27

Central 14 23 25

Game analysis: Melrose was an entirely different team from the one that showed up Tuesday at Stoneham. They played with an intensity and purpose marking their desire to return to the championship arena. Melrose relied on veteran seniors Rachel Towle up front, Laura Dillon in the back, and Gina Ciccone everywhere. Rachel had her best all-around game, with many superlative digs and great passing. Setter Taylor Pearson was a 'human wading pool', as she went through half a dozen waters.

The back row of Sam Hamel, Laura Dillon, and Kelsey Quinn played simply great defense, and Leslie Hirschfeld, Freshman Hannah Brickley, and Lauren Howe added more defense and firepower up front.

Late News: Melrose (4) will face top-seeded Arlington Catholic Saturday at 4 P.M. at Andover.

Playoff Photoessay - Melrose versus Greater Lowell

Melrose (17-4) defeated Greater Lowell last night at Stoneham High School in the Division II North quarterfinal round. Melrose enters the tournament as the Division II runnerup, having lost to Medfield in the State Finals last year at Hudson High School. Melrose graduated four all-league players, but comes back to challenge for their fourth consecutive D2 North Championship.

Melrose blends youth with experience and looks to improve on their four year record of 83-11 tomorrow night when the Lady Raiders host always tough Central Catholic at Stoneham High School at 7 P.M. Last year Central gave Melrose all they could handle in the quarterfinals.

Freshman Laura Irwin made her debut with power, athleticism, and her first varsity kills. "The next great outside hitter in the Melrose tradition..."
_____________________________________________No wallflowers here...the Melrose student cheering section...

___________________________________________

We Are Melrose...

___________________________________________ Freshman Hannah Brickley is at the core of Melrose's defense...

__________________________________________ Libero Laura Dillon shows total concentration in her commitment to defense.

__________________________________________ Gina Ciccone does it all...offense, defense, sets, service...Melrose's Swiss Army Knife.

___________________________________________

Setter Taylor Pearson looks to go cross-court while Hannah looks on.

_____________________________________________

Kelsey Quinn is all smiles whether playing back row or cheering on her teammates.

___________________________________________ Yet another Frosh, setter Colleen Hanscom can light it up on the volleyball court or the basketball court.

___________________________________________ Laura Dillon (top), Gina Ciccone (left), and Sam Hamel (foreground) have played stout 'D' in the back row.

____________________________________________

Nicole Glavin provided a spark, especially in Game 3, especially making good decisions at the net.
_____________________________________________
Photos courtesy of Don Norris.

Melrose Advances, 3-0

Middlesex League runnerup Melrose began its Division 2 North title defense with a 3-0 victory over the Greater Lowell Griffyns. Melrose had the size and experience advantage, and slugged out Game 1 with an imprecise victory.

In Game 2, the offense began to come alive, and Rachel Towle delivered crisp overheads into the back line getting the Lady Raiders a big lead, en route to a 25-14 victory.

Finally in Game 3, the team put it all together, totally dominating, sparked by a scintillating performance by Nicole Glavin, who pulled out an assortment of smashes, tips, and well-placed shots. More than anything else, she increased the energy level and made good decisions on when to hit and when to lay back. Mark Pearson described her as the 'Player of the Game' in his MMTV comments.

Also making headlines were Laura Irwin, with her first varsity kills. Irwin brings power, athleticism, and offensive fearlessness that recall the formative efforts of Karen Sen from the outside. At one point in the game, Melrose had three freshmen on the court and dominating, with Hannah Brickley, Irwin, and setter Colleen Hanscom.

Melrose will play next in the Division II North Semis, Thursday night. If top-seeded Greater Lawrence wins, the game will be in Lawrence, and if Central Catholic wins, then Melrose will host the match in Stoneham.

Game Analysis. Melrose started sluggishly and came on as the evening proceeded. Melrose got more offense from a variety of sources, including more hitting power from Hannah Brickley in the middle, complementing Leslie Hirschfeld's strong play. The back row quartet of libero Laura Dillon, Kelsey Quinn, Sam Hamel, and Gina Ciccone all sparkled, and Kelsey had a number of services aces as well.

Faces in the Crowd. Melrose AD Pat Ruggiero hosted the evening at Stoneham, with Stoneham AD Mike Lahiff on hand as well. Basketball Captains Shey Peddy and Lynley DeAmato had their customary position amidst the Melrose crowd, and last year's setter, Amanda Hallett, a libero at Framingham State watched as well.

Lady Raiders Playoff Roster (unofficial)

The unofficial playoff roster for tonight's game...

Coach Scott Celli
Assistant Steve Wall

Seniors:

Laura Dillon (CAPT)
Rachel Towle (CAPT)
Sam Hamel
Kelsey Quinn
Taylor Pearson

Juniors

Gina Ciccone
Lauren Howe
Allie Brussard
Leslie Hirschfeld
Nicole Glavin

Sophomores:

Kelly O'Neill

Freshmen:

Hannah Brickley
Colleen Hanscom
Laura Irwin

V-Ballers Begin Playoffs Tonight

The Lady Raiders begin their D2 North title defense tonight hosting Greater Lowell at Stoneham at 7 P.M.

See the well wishes here with more details.

MIAA Draw for Melrose

The MIAA has posted the draw for the Division II North Volleyball Tournament. Last season, Melrose got the toughest possible draw, with Central Catholic in the quarterfinals, Arlington Catholic in the semis, and North Andover in the finals. This season, Melrose gets the four seed, with a bye in Round 1. They then face Greater Lowell in the quarterfinals, and if they advance, the winner of Central Catholic (8) and Greater Lawrence (1). Central Catholic plays in the tough Merrimac Valley League, with some powerhouses like Andover, Billerica, and Chelmsford.

Melrose's initial game against Greater Lowell is scheduled for 7 P.M. at the Stoneham High School.

Masco Jamboree Photos

Melrose journeyed to Masconomet Regional for the annual North Shore League Jamboree. And everyone had a good time.

A happy team plays loose and well. What is Sam Hamel doing?
____________________________________________
It's all about the team during player introductions.

____________________________________________

Athleticism and power characterize Lady Raider volleyball. Here the double block goes up.

_____________________________________________

Gina Ciccone delivers a kill.

_____________________________________________

Good defense is critical to winning volleyball. Melrose's Leslie Hirschfeld (33) and Rachel Towle (27) prepare to receive an overhead smash.

_____________________________________________

Melrose and Masco exchange the traditional postgame handshakes.

____________________________________________

Volleyball entertains the young at heart.

____________________________________________

Photos courtesy of Don Norris.

Video Alert - Melrose Volleyball Comes Alive

Attention Lady Raider fans. The Melrose-Reading championship game, "Showdown at the Coolidge Corral" will be showing daily through the weekend at 430 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. on Launch (MMTV Channel 15). Dan Krechmer did a fantastic job producing the match and we thank Lydia Ciccone for her great camerawork.

Enjoy the show.

Melrose Finishes Strong, Top Masco 3-0

The Melrose Lady Raiders volleyball team (16-4) shook off last week's tough loss to Reading and went into Masconomet Regional High School on a mission, denying the Chieftains an MIAA playoff berth with a 3-0 victory. Masco needed a win to meet the 50 percent or better standard for tourney qualifying.

Nobody knew exactly what to expect coming into the season, with Melrose facing a schedule including solid Middlesex League teams, North Reading, defending Division III finalist, North Andover which appeared in last year's Division II North finals, always tough Lynnfield, improving Hamilton-Wenham, and non-league contests against powerhouses Andover, AC, and Central Catholic. Most didn't expect sixteen wins, with four losses to teams with a total of four losses this season.

Melrose combined a stingy back row defense, relatively error-free service (one for the evening), and a big night from North Shore All-League player Rachel Towle to win big.

Melrose led Game 1 big, 22-12 and 24-14 before a late Chieftain surge brought Masco to 25-20. Melrose had only seven kills during the game, however, including five from Rachel Towle, under the microscope from college coaches in attendance.

Game 2 was more evenly balanced with Melrose leading early, and Masco refusing to go away. The Lady Raiders held 10-5 and 15-10 leads, but Masco went up 18-17 and 21-19, with power hitting from the middle. But Gina Ciccone had a service run (4) at the end, and Rachel added another six kills from Rachel. Melrose struggled with some vicious serves from Masco, which had several big servers.

Melrose played its best volleyball when needed in Game 3, another back-and-forth contest. With Melrose leading 19-17, the locals knotted the score at 19 and then teams exchanged points for nine consecutive points to brindg the score to 24-23 Melrose. A critical line call went Melrose's way at a key juncture as well. Melrose closed out the game as a Masco hitter's slam caromed off the antenna (out-of-bounds).

Score by Games

Melrose 25 25 25

Masco-- 20 22 23

Lady Raiders Notes: MMTV will broadcast the replay of tonight's game in the near future. Many thanks to Lydia Ciccone (camera), Dan Krechmer (production), and Dick Collis (statistics) for tonight's contest.

Amanda Hallett's coach, Tom Casale of Framingham State was in attendance, scouting and recruiting. Tom noted that Melrose has a strong program and relationship with Coach Celli and that he enjoys watching their players.

In addition to Rachel's recognition on the Best Six (All-League) team of the North Shore League, Co-Captain Laura Dillon and Gina Ciccone received recognition as Middlesex League All-Stars. Andrew Viselli of Reading received Coach of the Year honors, and Reading's Meredith Gent succeeded Melrose's Paula Sen as Player of the Year.

Kelly O'Neill and Laura Irwin received 'field' promotions to the Varsity for tonight's game. Kelly has shown poise and leadership for the JV this season, and Irwin is a powerful hitter who looks to become the latest in the Melrose tradition of outside hitters.

Rockets Sizzle, Top Lady Raiders in Five

The Melrose Lady Raiders (15-4) fought fiercely but came up short today in Reading as the Rockets clinched their first Middlesex League title in the past five seasons. Reading overcame a two game deficit and won a dramatic fifth game 15-11.

Reading's superior height and power proved decisive, led by Meredith Gent and Laura Greichen, despite a fantastic effort by the Lady Raiders, whose defensive gem fell short.

Melrose won Game 1 25-20, amidst thirteen kills, including six by middle hitter Leslie Hirschfeld. Reading went out fast 5-1, before Melrose tied the score at 9. Melrose gathered momentum, leading 14-11 on a service run by setter Taylor Pearson. The closest Reading could approach was withing two, when a flurry of Hirschfeld kills brough Melrose to a 24-20 win, with Taylor delivering the 'fake set' and kill.

Melrose jumped out fast in Game 2 behind a pair of Hannah Brickley kills. Melrose then extended the lead to 9-4 before the Rockets fought back to 13-10. But Rachel Towle sparked another run by Melrose, with four kills in five points as Melrose went up 18-13. Melrose continued their excellence down the stretch with another pair of Towle slams to close out the game 25-18. Rachel had five kills for the game.

But Reading regrouped at the break and simply overwhelmed Melrose in Game 3. Gent came out possessed and the Reading defense continually stuffed Melrose's offense. The Lady Raiders, with 24 kills in the first two games, were held to four in the third game, and Reading romped 25-11, although Melrose had a mini-run at the end.

Game 4 was more of a back-and-forth contest, but again Reading's defense stifled the Melrose offense, which delivered only a handful of kills, despite playing aggressively both at the net and the back. Laura Dillon was spectacular, and Sam Hamel terrific in the back fending off the Rocket attack. But the home team prevailed 25-20.

The fifth and deciding game is played to fifteen. The teams traded points to 6-6, before a pivotal call had a major impact on the game. Melrose defended brilliantly, forcing Laura Greichen to take an off-balance overhead from out-of-bounds, which she aimed down the line. Her smash went about eighteen inches wide of the antenna, but landed in bounds. Anything hit outside the antenna is out, but both officials were unable to make the call, and Melrose struggled to regain momentum, trailing 10-6. Melrose rallied back to 13-11, but Reading provided the clinchers, to take the game 15-11, and undisputed first place in the ML with a perfect 10-0 slate. Melrose finished their ML schedule 8-2, a pair of tough losses to Reading.

Today's match provided tournament-level pressure and competition from the Division I tournament-bound Rockets, experience that will help Melrose in the upcoming playoffs.

Coach Scott Celli was magnanimous in his praise of Reading following the game, and acknowledged that Melrose played both hard and well.

Lady Raider Notes: The Lady Raiders close out their regular season Monday at the Masconomet jamboree, with their game on tap at 5 p.m., with league awards presented following the contests.

Lydia Ciccone filmed the game, which will appear on MMTV (Launch Channel 15 in the near future).

Lady Raiders Roster

1 Taylor Pearson

2 Sam Hamel

5 Gina Ciccone

6 Lauren Howe

10 Allie Brussard

13 Nicole Glavin

14 Colleen Hanscom

15 Laura Dillon (CAPT)

18 Kelsey Quinn

27 Rachel Towle (CAPT)

33 Leslie Hirschfeld

35 Hannah Brickley

Showdown at the Coolidge Corral

Melrose travels to Reading Friday for a 4 p.m. showdown with Reading for a shot at the Middlesex League title. Reading has an experienced team led by Coach Andrew Viselli, a team which defeated Melrose 3-1 early in the season.

The Melrose-Reading rivalry goes back for quite awhile, with Melrose winning the series in 2003 (2-0), beating Reading in the Division II North semis in 2004 to capture the series (2-1), and Melrose handling the Rockets (2-0) in 2005. Numerous players from the programs have played with and against each other in Junior Olympics, leading to spirited competition.

Reading has promised to get its fans there early, to try to 'lock out' the Melrose fans, so if you want a seat for the four o'clock game at Coolidge Middle School across from the High School, you'll need to be there early.

Lady Raider Notes: Lydia Ciccone is leading the drive to publish a volleyball cookbook as a fundraiser for next season, so get her your recipes pronto. I may even have to contribute my 'popover' recipe...

Try, Try Again

Best viewed with Firefox...sometimes you click on the photos to enlarge...

The team's the thing, as Coach (and emcee) Scott Celli kicks off the evening.
_____________________________________________ Leslie Hirschfeld pays tribute to one of her teammates.

____________________________________________

Senior Night is about families, and here are the Lady Raider Seniors with their families. All have sacrificed to be part of the team.
______________________________________________

Just because the Seniors graduate doesn't mean the rest of the Melrose team can't smile. Here is the core of next season's team, from left Gina Ciccone, Lauren Howe, cousins Leslie Hirschfeld and Allie Brussard, Nicole Glavin, Hannah Brickley, and Colleen Hanscom. Hannah and Colleen have three more seasons of volleyball.

Photographs courtesy of Don Norris.

Senior Night Photo Essay

Senior Night has become a tradition for many high school teams, and the Lady Raiders are no exception.

The Lady Raiders present flowers and balloons to their counterparts from Stoneham to open the festivities. Here Nicole Glavin does the honors.

_________________________________________

Coach Scott Celli has his team primed to compete for another Middlesex League Championship.

____________________________________________

I'm having some trouble uploading tonight...so maybe I'll try again later.

Cruise Control on Towle Road, Senior Night Win 3-0

The Lady Raiders volleyball seniors played their final game at "The Igloo", Roosevelt School Gymnasium, spanking Stoneham 3-0 to hike their record to 15-3 (8-1 Middlesex League). Co-Captains Laura Dillon and Rachel Towle, setter Taylor Pearson, and defenders Sam Hamel and Kelsey Quinn all received balloons and flowers, and came out with the victory. Coach Scott Celli noted their accomplishments over four years, including all having played on championship teams.

Melrose came out fast in Game 1, sprinting to a 6-0 start on Kelsey's service, before the Spartans answered back with a quartet of points. But Melrose put up another six spot, with Rachel notching three kills in the first eight Melrose points. Stoneham narrowed the lead to 12-8, but Melrose made another run, sparked by a brilliant one-handed over-the-head save by Rachel, leading to an insurmountable 17-9 lead. Nicole Glavin came off the bench to deliver three kills down the stretch, and Melrose captured the game 25-13.

In Game 2, Melrose kept getting 'twofers', two points for each Stoneham tally, and Melrose got ahead 14-7 before lengthening the lead to 17-7. Leslie Hirschfeld made her presence felt with four kills in the game as well as strong service, and Lauren Howe fired in a couple of kills down the line from her outside spot. Melrose went out 22-11 before closing out the visitors 25-15. Stoneham played very solid defense in the game, making Melrose work hard for the victory.

Game 3 also had little suspense, with Melrose pounding the ball and leading 19-8 with three Howe slams and more kills from Rachel to expand the lead. But the unquestioned "Player of the Match" today was versatile Gina Ciccone, who had several nearly miraculous diving digs, sets from the outside and a handful of kills as she played her best match as a Lady Raider. Gina may not show up on the scoresheet, but she always shows up on game day, and usually with a 'W'. She was ably assisted by the back row defense of Laura and Sam, and as always, T.P. racked up the assists from her setter spot. Melrose substituted liberally and took the game 25-18.

Score by Games

Melrose-- 25 25 25

Stoneham 13 15 18

Game analysis: Melrose could have looked past Stoneham to their rematch with Reading Friday for a share of the Middlesex League title, but came out focused and playing their best defense of the season. Most encouraging for local fans was the improving offense from the inside hitters, Hannah Brickley, Leslie, and Nicole which will be needed against the power game of Reading and in the playoffs. The back row defense of Sam Hamel, Kelsey Quinn, and libero Laura Dillon has played its best defense recently.

Lady Raider Notes:

Thanks to the large crowd who came out to support the Lady Raiders today, and of course to uberfans Dick Collis who keeps the running scoresheet and Don Norris, the Ansel Adams of Melrose volleyball. This group of seniors has accomplished a lot, and looks forward to the most exciting part of the season.

The JV also won handily today, with everyone playing and very few balls hitting the floor. The coaches have repeatedly praised this group of players' work ethic and improvement over the course of the season.

Friday's game at Reading (location to be announced) gives the Lady Raiders a chance to either win outright or share the Middlesex League title for the fourth consecutive season. Today's win brings the past four season Melrose record to 81-10, including the playoffs, and 71-7 regular season.

Noted in the crowd today were Superintended Joe Casey, Athletic Director Pat Ruggiero, and all-everything hoop star Sheylani Peddy.

Sam I Am. Sam Hamel shows how it's done from the back row.

__________________________________________

Formidable obstacles.Leslie and Gina put up a double block.

__________________________________________

Rachel shows how its done with a powerful overhead past the Central Catholic blockers.

_____________________________________________

Coach Celli and Coach Steve Wall (left). Batman and Robin?

_____________________________________________

Playoff Preview? Melrose tops Central Catholic in Three

Melrose hosted Central Catholic, one of the schools with a classy and talented volleyball program. Unfortunately for Central, Melrose (14-3)brought something close to their 'A' game, stopping the visitors in three games.

Last season, Melrose narrowly ousted Central en route to the state finals, as Central, led by Junior Adrian Boss, was the second best team Melrose faced all season. Unfortunately, Boss was absent today because of illness, although Central (10-6) had won nine of their last ten in the uber-tough Merrimack Valley League.

Coming down the stretch, Coach Scott Celli has shortened his rotation, looking ahead to the playoff challenge ahead, while fine tuning both the offense and the defense. Melrose got off to a slow start in Game 1, trailing 6-1, before the tide turned as Hannah Brickley served and got even to 6. The teams battled back and forth, with Central leading 19-18. Melrose spread the points around, among Lauren Howe, who had perhaps her best game this season, Hannah, Gina Ciccone, providing her usual steadiness, and Rachel Towle.

Trailing 19-18, Melrose got a lift from a Taylor Pearson kill, sparking them to a 21-19 run before Central answered. T.P. then ran serve to 24-22, and Taylor delivered yet another kill off the set to close out the game, 25-22.

Game 2 was all Melrose, as the Lady Raiders sprinted to 6-1 and 12-3 leads. Central seemed disheartened and struggled throughout the game with their young and athletic team forced to make numerous acrobatic saves to keep play alive. Melrose took the game 25-9, with 13 kills, incluing three apiece from Rachel and Gina. Gina also chipped in a few assists from the front line, a valuable asset to versatile offense.

Central played with heart and determination in Game 3, coming back from a 7-1 deficit to 13-11. Melrose again provided twelve more kills and improving offense, with Hannah leading the way with four as the Lady Raiders prevailed 25-17.

Score by Games

Melrose-- 25 25 25

Central--- 22 9 17


Game Analysis: Winning high school volleyball develops from a pair of 'C's', consistency and confidence. The best teams have the most consistency and the best players flourish with consistency borne of athleticism, ability, and attitude.

Athletes can control only two aspects of their game, effort and concentration, and Melrose has raised their overall game both offensively and defensively as the season rolls on. More offense from the middles has created a more balanced attack, and the overall defense from libero Laura Dillon, and defenders Sam Hamel and Kelsey Quinn has greatly reduced unforced errors. Sam had her best game of the year in my opinion.

The winning attitude of the entire team gives the chance a legitimate chance once again to go deep into the MIAA playoffs.

Lady Raider Notes: Melrose celebrates "Senior Night" on Tuesday, October 24th at 5 p.m. at the Roosevelt Gymnasium. Seniors Laura Dillon, Sam Hamel, Taylor Pearson, Kelsey Quinn, and Rachel Towle will play their final home game for Melrose volleyball, all having enjoyed distinguished careers individually and all having won at least one Division II sectional title, and Laura playing for a pair of Division II North winners. A big crowd could pay tribute to these terrific student-athletes.

Stretch Run

It's that time of the year again, time for the stretch run. Having dispatched with Burlington 3-0 Friday, highlighted by 14 consecutive service points by Taylor Pearson, the Lady Raiders look ahead to the final ten days of the regular season, and the MIAA playoffs. Note that MIAA rules require bleacher seating for at least 500 for Division semifinal games, clearly a requirement not enforced for previous years, notably 2004 where Melrose fans were turned away for the Division II North semifinals.

Click here for the 2006 Tournament Alignments. 26 schools participate in the Division II North Section, with some of the stronger 'traditional' programs including Arlington Catholic, Central Catholic, Dracut, Melrose, and North Andover. This season Hamilton-Wenham has made great strides and Tewksbury is reported to have a highly competitive team. Reading moved up to Division I. Greater Lowell (almost 2000) and Madision Park (over 1600) have the largest enrollments in D2 North, while Quincy Upper and McKinley Tech both have fewer than 250.

This week, Melrose faces always tough Central Catholic from the Merrimack Valley Conference, Stoneham for Senior Night, and travels to Reading to battle the Rockets for first place in both the Middlesex League and the North Shore League.

Melrose stands at 13-3 overall (7-1 Middlesex League) having improved steadily and now playing their best volleyball of the season. Keys to their success have included service consistency, the steady setting of Taylor Pearson, front row defense stabilized by the development of freshman Hannah Brickley, and improved overall defense from the back line.

Lady Raider Notes:

Melrose looks to get on a roll Monday against a perennial powerhouse Central Catholic at 4 p.m. at Roosevelt School Gymnasium. Tuesday is Senior Night against Stoneham, with starting time rolled back to 5 o'clock. Melrose seniors include Co-Captains Laura Dillon and Rachel Towle, Sam Hamel, Taylor Pearson, and Kelsey Quinn. You can track the latest overall Cape Ann League results (participants in the North Shore League at CALScores.

Melrose-Lexington Photo Essay

Someday. Teagan Bell looks forward to the day she plays for the Lady Raiders varsity squad.

Melrose gets support from 'The Back Row Gang', including Ron Sen and Dick Collis.

Leslie Hirschfeld stepped up in Game 4 to help deliver the big win over Lexington.

Panoramic view of Lauren Howe going up to hit through the double block with Gina Ciccone (5) and Hannah Brickley (25) looking on.

Rachel Towle crushes another ball with libero Laura Dillon (15) ready to defend.

Hannah changes the hitter's trajectory, with Gina (5), Lauren (6), and setter Taylor Pearson defending.

The Lady Raiders savor the moment after the game, with Teddy Roosevelt looking on. From left Gina (5), Nicole Glavin (13), 'Shy' Sam Hamel, Laura (15), Rachel, and Hannah.

Melrose 3 Lexington 1

Division I Lexington came to the Igloo (Roosevelt School Gymnasium) and put up a good fight, but left empty-handed, as the Lady Raiders moved to 12-3 (6-1 Middlesex League), topping the Minutewomen 3-1.

Score by Games

Lexington 20 25 11 22

Melrose-- 25 22 25 25

Game 1's action showed that it would be a battle as Lexington tested Melrose with superior height, especially in the middle, with Milena Mensah and Stacey Linehan pounding away early. Rachel Towle came out golden for Melrose, with three kills in the first six points, but the game was tied at 10 and Lexington led at 14-11.

Trailing 17-14, Melrose got two key kills from Leapin' Lauren Howe, although Lexington answered to go up 18-16. Taylor Pearson took over the serve at 18-17 and ran off 4 points to get Melrose ahead by three, with kills by Gina Ciccone, Lauren, and Hannah Brickley.

Melrose went up 24-19 before a net service turned the ball back to the visitors, but Melrose closed out the match on Lexington miscues.

Incantation? No, it's the "Wall Cheer" as the Lady Raiders put up a road block over an enemy spike.

Game 2 started well for the Lady Raiders with a pair of Hannah kills, the first on a block with Gina. Then Lexington rallied for six consecutive points led by Mensah. Melrose trailed 10-4 when Melrose gradually started to regain momentum, again sparked by Taylor's serves, but Lexington, again behind Mensah got up 19-15. Gina Ciccone had a service run to put the locals on top 21-19, but Lexington found conviction and the victory scoring the final four points to close out Melrose 25-22.

Game 3 again started out with momentum for the blue and gold as they led 4-2. Once again, Mensah's height and leaping ability powered the Minutewomen. But Rachel caught fire, and delving three kills in five points, followed by a killing spree by Lauren who scored three in four points as Melrose went on top 13-6. Leslie Hirschfeld provided some key serves during this stretch.

Melrose continued to widen the lead to 20-9, and both teams substituted in preparation for the possible winning game. Melrose finished Lexington 25-11, with a couple more slams from Rachel, who led the Lady Raiders with five kills in the game.

Lexington's Coach Jane Bergin isn't one to go down without a fight, and she exhorted her troops to come back in Game 4. And once again they took the early lead, 5-2 and dominated the first half of the match leading 11-7, before a Kelsey Quinn service run brought Melrose back to lead 12-11. But Lexington rallied to go up 17-14, when Leslie came in to make a key block and kill to narrow the lead. At 18-15, Lauren put on her aerial show with another key spike, but again Lexington fought back to lead 21-18. But the Lady Raiders regained the serve, with Kelsey pounding the ball and Rachel once again coming up big in Crunch Time, with a pair of Frozen Milk slams, before Gina took a back set from Taylor and delivered a topspin into the empty middle to seal the win.

Game analysis.In something of an aberration compared with Melrose's historical middle attack, Coach Scott Celli switched up the game plan and attacked from the flanks, where Melrose overmatched taller Lexington defenders. Conversely, Lexington was unable to bring consistent pressure from the outside.

In addition to the outside hitting of Rachel, Lauren, and Gina, Melrose got stout defense from the back row of Kelsey, Sam Hamel, and Laura Dillon, who played her best game of the season at libero.

Rachel has shown the ability to bring her game to its highest level when needed most, which the entire team will do as they peak going into the playoffs. Rachel Towle has given Melrose powerful hitting from the outside.

Coach Celli remains pleased with the team's effort, and has committed to get the team to the highest level going down the stretch. He intends to work to maximize defensive consistency, while diversifying the offense.

Lady Raider Notes: Taylor Pearson came through with a terrific effort despite playing with a mild shoulder injury.

The JV trounced Lexington in straight games, 2-0, as Coach Steve Wall's "Baby Raiders" overwhelmed their more experienced counterparts with athleticism and team play.

With Katherine Hartigan injured, Kelly O'Neill is the lone sophomore playing on the Melrose JV.

Lady Raider fans have a lot to look forward to, as several of the JV players appear ready to play at the varsity level. Every Melrose championship team has had major contributions from underclassmen. Junior Gina Ciccone of this year's team represents a great example, gaining experience as the JV setter a frosh, with that ballhandling skill earning her a starting role as a sophomore on last season's 24-1 team. Gina Ciccone spikes while Taylor Pearson looks on.

Sports brings a continual cycle of meritocracy, of maturity and renewal, as young players grow into roles as their development permits.