Photoessay: Melrose vs. Stoneham

Best viewed with FIREFOX. Click photos to ENLARGE.

Photos courtesy of Don Norris...we put up the best of what we have.

Melrose is the second smallest city in Massachusetts, but takes pride in our Lady Raiders, who always come to play.

We should pause to reflect some of the reasons we play sports, the benefits of physical fitness, competition, learning how to function as a team. Girls who play sports tend to have better academic performance, less bone loss over time, reduced cancer risk, and lower risk of teen pregnancy, substance abuse, and delinquency.

Everyone doesn't get the same playing time on a team, but every team member has a unique and important role. Every day at practice players improve by competing with and against each other. You never know when you might be called upon because of illness or injury in a critical moment. A few years ago, All-star setter Amanda Hallett broke a shoelace against Andover in one of the greatest games in Melrose volleyball history. Reserve setter Taylor Pearson came off the bench for a few points and didn't miss a play, with Melrose defeating the Division I State finalist on their home floor.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Sophomore Hannah Brickley is one of the shining lights for Melrose Volleyball in her second season. Kelly O'Neill is in the background. Like many volleyballers of past seasons, Hannah also plays hoop for Melrose. The volleyball and basketball teams have a friendly rivalry for bragging rights. In the past five seasons, the Lady Raiders volleyball team has been to the D2 North final in Andover four times, winning three titles and played in one State Championship. During the same period, the basketball team has gone to the Tsongas Arena for the D2 North final four times, winning two D2 North Championships allowing them to advance to the Boston Garden.
_________________________________________________________________________________Here, Hannah finishes off the "dig-set-slam" ideal.
_________________________________________________________________________________Senior Co-captain Leslie Hirschfeld gets ready to return.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Melrose had to replace the entire back row after graduation last year. Here libero Jess Farr (red shirt), Alex Harlow (front), and Hannah prepare for serve-receive. The sophomore trio guarantees a bright future for local volleyball.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Melrose tries to get a double block up, but doesn't get there in time for this one.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Laura Irwin shows her power and athleticism here, preparing to spike at the net.
________________________________________________________________________________Laura has her game face on here, too.
___________________________________________________________________________________

'Glav' flashes a winning smile afterwards.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Colleen Hanscom runs down an errant pass to set up a teammate.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Leslie Hirschfeld puts up a block.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Nicole, in this candid shot, looks as though she's just gotten hit by a 'rat-tail'.
_________________________________________________________________________________Preparing for the serve (probably from Hannah), the offense prepares to become defense.
_________________________________________________________________________________
The Lady Raider fans appreciate the hard work that the team puts in.
_________________________________________________________________________________Melrose volleyball...making memories, and some hardware now and then.

Homestanding Lady Raiders Go to 3-0

Best viewed in FIREFOX. Click pictures to ENLARGE. (File photos courtesy of Don Norris)

The Melrose Lady Raiders defeated the visiting Stoneham Spartans, 3-0, dispatching the spunky visitors in an hour and five minutes. With the victory, Melrose goes to 3-0, 2-0 in the Middlesex League, with a huge tilt at Reading Friday against the defending ML champion Rockets.

Melrose started sluggishly in the first two stanzas, before pulling away late in each game. In the final game, the Lady Raiders put it together with better passing and hitting to win 25-8.

Coach Scott Celli could not have been pleased with the service percentage of his young Lady Raiders, particularly in the second game, where service errors kept the Spartans in the game at 16 all, before Melrose pulled away to win 25-16.

Senior Co-Captain Leslie Hirschfeld had her serve in gear.
__________________________________________________________________________________
But according to my local volleyball experts, the Player of the Match was Melrose outside hitter Laura Irwin, whose growing confidence from both the net and the service line can help Melrose generate the offense needed to move deep into the playoffs.

Lady Raider Notes: Melrose faces Reading Friday with their first year coach, after long-time head coach Andrew Viselli chose to limit his coaching duties to the St. John's Prep boys. Reading graduated 2006 Player of the Year Meredith Gent, but seems to have an inexhaustible supply of tall, athletic girls.

One of the Lady Raider tradition has been handing down red and white hair ribbons to younger players. Amanda Labella began the tradition, and a number of Melrose players began wearing the colored ribbons. Suffice it to say, the tradition continues, and the fans expect, yea demand to see them...

Picture Perfect

Once again Don Norris has contributed some terrific photographs of the Lady Raiders in action...from yesterday's game against Wilmington. (Click photos to enlarge)

Leslie Hirschfeld gets into it during warmups, with Laura Irwin looking on.
_________________________________________________________________________________Colleen Hanscom sets up Laura Irwin from the outside. Laura is starting her approach run-up.
________________________________________________________________________________Laura lifts off and prepares her 'swing'. She has the athleticism and power to become a dominant hitter in this league. _________________________________________________________________________________
Coaches Celli and Wall share some constructive advice with the team.
_________________________________________________________________________________Hannah Brickley goes high to put up a 'roof' and reject a Wilmington spike...note the spread fingers and the hands penetrating over the net.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Senior hitter Nicole Glavin delivers a fastball.
_________________________________________________________________________________Alex Harlow (hitting) was solid in her first varsity start. Annmarie Wiesen and Colleen Hanscom look on.)
__________________________________________________________________________________
Past and Future? Former North Shore League Player of the Year Paula Sen looks on with Freshman Melanie DeYoung.
_________________________________________________________________________________There's no 'I' in team. Coach Wall watches with Kelly O'Neill, Annmarie Wiesen, Laura Irwin, and Lauren Howe.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Nicole Glavin soars to deliver the news to Wilmington. Bad news for the Wildcats.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Leslie gets high to show how it's done at the net.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Libero Jess Farr (15) has shown a lot of promise in the early going this season. She shares a quiet moment with Annmarie and co-captain Lauren Howe (6). Team chemistry, senior leadership, and enthusiasm on every point has sparked Melrose's success over the years, including not only championships but the MIAA officials' Sportsmanship Award.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Next up. As Chuck Person would say, Melrose has a pair of cars on the victory train this season, and will look to make it three tomorrow (Wednesday, September 12th) at 4:00 P.M. at the Marcoux Gymnasium.

Lady Raider News. The match next Friday at Burlington has been changed to next Thursday at Burlington. Therefore, the match is Sept. 20 at 3:45 at Burlington.

Kiddie Korps Claws Cats 3-0

The Wilmington Wildcats made the pilgrimage to the Marcoux Gymnasium Monday afternoon, and came away with nary but catnip, as the Lady Raiders downed the visitors in three games. The victory raised Melrose's record to 2-0 with a pair of league contests upcoming this week.

Melrose started their "Kiddie Korps" five sophomores with co-captain Gina Ciccone sidelined by an ankle injury. C0-captain Leslie Hirschfeld was the sole senior starter, flanked by Hannah Brickley in the middle, Alex Harlow and Laura Irwin outside, with Jess Farr libero and Colleen Hanscom setting.

The defense played solidly through most of the first game, a 25-8 rout. Everyone got into the action, with Sophomore Annmarie Wiesen having a service run near the end of the first game. Co-captain Lauren Howe looked particularly steady on the back line and Farr continues to grow into her libero role.

Game 2 and 3 proved sloppy, and fans and coaches alike agreed that a general level of sloppiness occurred during the latter games, although the outcome was never in doubt.

Alex Harlow filled in solidly for Gina, and Kelly O'Neill showed good defensive skills in her first varsity appearance this regular season.

Nicole Glavin again showed her athleticism coming up with some big hits in the third game.

Lady Raider Notes: Melrose reduced their service errors to six for the game, although Coach Celli would like that to fall further. Melrose hosts Stoneham Wednesday and travels to Reading for the annual Tong Wars on Friday.

The Lady Raiders victory brings their cumulative record for the past five seasons to 86-12, 74-8 during the regular season and 12-4 in the post-season.

"In the House" at various times watching were Superintendent of Schools Joe Casey, AD Pat Ruggiero, well-known local Coach Ralph Labella, and a few alumni volleyballers, including Karen and Paula Sen.

Lady Raiders Have Their Time With Minutewomen

The Melrose Lady Raiders volleyball team got out to a terrific Middlesex League start with a straight game victory over Lexington, 25-12, 25-20, and 25-19 in sweltering Marcoux Gymnasium.

Lexington Coach Jane Bergin's team came in tall and aggressive, but Melrose's overall quickness and superior net play carried the match. Melrose's front line of Hannah Brickley, Nicole Glavin, Leslie Hirschfeld, and Laura Irwin dominated the net for most of the match, with timely blocks from Hannah, Nicole, and Leslie.

Sophomore Libero Jess Farr had a solid performance in her first varsity start, ably assisted by good work by Lauren Howe and Gina Ciccone in the back line. Melrose will improve their passing to setter Colleen Hanscom as the season evolves, working toward the ideal dig, set, slam combination that breeds playoff wins.

Coaches Scott Celli and Steve Wall had to be pleased with the effort and intensity, and excited by the overall quality of play for the opener. Doubtless they will hope for improved service percentage, passing consistency, and even more aggressive attacking at the net. All in all a good win.

Jump Into It: Lady Raiders Open Tomorrow

On with the show we must go.


The Melrose Lady Raiders begin the 2007 campaign hosting Lexington at 4 P.M. Friday at the Marcoux Gym. Melrose seeks to regain the Middlesex League title after a one year absence, losing a narrow 3-2 contest to a tough Reading squad last season.

While the finishing touches are added to the new Middle School gym, the volleyballers will likely play the first three games of the schedule at the refurbished Marcoux.

Melrose brings an enviable combination of experience and youth to the floor, with the possibility of starting four sophomores for the first time in program history. Along with veteran outside hitter Gina Ciccone, and seniors Nicole Glavin and Leslie Hirschfeld, possible starters may include Hannah Brickley, Laura Irwin, Colleen Hanscom, and libero Jess Farr.

Ciccone brings the experience of playing in a State Championship final as well as tremendous versatility. Brickley made a huge impact on the front row as a freshman, and Irwin has the power and hitting swing that could mark her as the next great outside hitter for a program that has produced a series of All-Scholastics over the past four years.

Expect Lauren Howe, Kelly O'Neill, Annmarie Wiesen, and Alex Harlow to make valuable contributions this season as well as additional players promoted during the season.

If you have the time, come to the Marcoux for an exciting atmosphere as the Lady Raiders bring athleticism, effort, and intensity to the court.

Northern Exposure

The Lady Raiders traveled to Newton North for their annual scrimmage with Richard Barton's club, led by six-foot setter Teresa Staulo.

Melrose seeks to develop consistency in all aspects of the game as they prep for Friday's opener against Lexington. Melrose showed flashes of their athleticism and youth, but continues to look to develop excellence in coordination between the back row and their counterparts up front.

Developing a crisp serve-receive game to feed the setter (Colleen Hanscom) who can deliver the ball to the hitters (Glavin, Hirschfeld, Brickley, Irwin, Howe) becomes critical to offensive volleyball. And beating good teams requires a power offense to wear them down.


Notice the soft hands of the libero, delivering perfect passes to the setters...

Three Days to V-Ball Tilt

The new Middle School Gymnasium looks great, but it is not ready for prime time, as at last report, the bleachers were somewhere in Indiana. Give us the seats, Hoosiahs!

As of today, it looks like the first three home matches will be at the Marcoux Gym. The Marcoux, newly outfitted with bleachers, seats 280, and none of them are on a stage... Unfortunately a blue "divider" overhangs center court, although it should not be a problem.

The Lady Raiders travel to Newton North tomorrow for a scrimmage with a traditional Division I North power. Stay tuned for reports as they become available.

Lexington's veteran Coach Jane Bergin always has size but last season lacked experience. This year they may have the experience edge.

Colleen Hanscom assumes the setting duties this year from Taylor Pearson. Taylor did a great job following the outstanding work of the Amandas - Labella and Hallett, who set up Melrose's big hitters.

Any player can set, but note the athleticism, footwork and balance, getting to a spot, and the smooth effortless delivery.

Countdown to Home Opener

The Melrose Lady Raiders open up their season Friday September 7, 2007. As of this writing, it remains to be seen whether the game will be played at the Marcoux Gymnasium or the new Middle School Gym.

Workers are putting the finishing touches on the Middle School. In the background, you can see the new gym, with the memorial jersey (17) of Ray Rocha, who worked for Cantor Fitzgerald and died in the 9/11 Twin Towers tragedy.

(photo courtesy of Dick Collis)

Play Date Gives Lady Raiders Valuable Experience

Melrose traveled to Medway today to face some of the stiffest competition it has ever met. The Lady Raiders played against a tremendous team from Kenston, Ohio, that Coach Scott Celli called, "probably the best team we have ever faced. On a good note, the next game that they played, they beat Barnstable, which hasn't lost in Division I in Massachusetts for years."

Coach Celli added, "overall, we played very well against the teams that we should handle (Ashland and Holliston). We played well against strong Medway and Lincoln Sudbury teams, even though we did not beat them on the scoreboard. We ended the day against Medfield. In that game, we played with passion, desire, and determination."

Although the Lady Raiders finished 2 and 4, the day proved most successful. Kenston exploited the Melrose youth at key positions, but as the day progressed, the girls improved in both the front and the back rows. Sophomore Hannah Brickley continues to make strides both offensively and defensively, and Melrose is working hard to develop a versatile attacking offense from both inside and outside.

Sophomore Hannah Brickley will have an important role both offensively and defensively this season.

The Lady Raiders next prepare with a couple of days of practice and scrimmage at Newton North Wednesday. Newton North always has great size and has been a dominant team in the North the past few seasons. North prsents a good tune-up for Melrose's opener next Friday at home.
Last year's team went to the D2 North finals for the fourth consecutive season. While every season brings a 'new' team, Melrose will bring youth and experience in their Drive for Five.

Dig It

The Lady Raiders have a good early season test tomorrow at Medway, with a big series of games against top area teams. They'll look to get their digs in, to complement earlier hitting and blocking video.



Digging drills




More highlights to dig

Skilz for Today - on the Block

The Lady Raiders continue to prepare for Saturday's multipronged scrimmage at Medway. Yesterday's clip showed some attack footage, and today's features some defense.

Important facets to observe:

• Timing the jump
• Spreading the fingers
• Penetrating the airspace over the net

Although you may not be able to jump any higher tomorrow than today, you can continue to improve your technique using the athleticism you have today. The Lady Raiders have had some outstanding defenders at the net through the years, and this year's team has promise to develop some new talents.

Lady Raider Volleyball Rosters Announced

The Lady Raiders continue to work on their game in preparation for the coming season.



Here are the Varsity and Junior Varsity rosters going into this weekend's play day at Medway.

Varsity
SR Gina Ciccone
SR Lauren Howe
SR Leslie Hirschfeld
SR Nicole Glavin
JR Kelly O'Neill
SO Hannah Brickley
SO Laura Irwin
SO Colleen Hanscom
SO Annmarie Wiesen
SO Jess Farr
SO Alex Harlow

Junior Varsity
Allie Walsh
Devyn O'Brien
Alex Kupchaunis
Siena Mamayek
Jenny Hinkle
Liz Dellisola
Katie Tarpey
Athena Ziavras
Kaitlyn Szekely
Haley Scofield
Mercedes Ward
Melanie DeYoung
Caylee Clarke



First, watch the approach here, with the run-up, the arms go back to launch the attacker vertical, and then the powerful armswing driving the ball down.



Some powerful volleyball hitting.

Tradition Never Graduates

Best viewed with FIREFOX. Click pics to ENLARGE.

Coaches Celli and Wall have completed tryouts and rosters will be posted as soon as they are available. Melrose has had great volleyball success the past few seasons and will look to return to the D2 North Championships and beyond in 2007. As always, they'll have plenty of competition, from defending D2 North champion AC, Reading, North Andover, and up and comer Hamilton-Wenham.

Melrose has compiled an 84-12 record the past four seasons, including three league titles, three D2 North titles,
and one appearance in the State volleyball championship.

Well, it's not going to look like this, but Melrose will work hard trying.

Volleyball Season is Here

Best viewed with FIREFOX. Click pictures to ENLARGE.

Volleyball hopefuls at tryouts.
________________________________________________________________________________
Coaches Scott Celli and Steve Wall first look to recapture the Middlesex League title.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Co-Captain Gina Ciccone is the sole returner from the State Finalist team of 2005. Gina brings steadiness and experience to both the front and the back lines.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Colleen Hanscom takes over the reins at setter this season, trying to follow in the big footsteps of setters who have brought Melrose to the D2 North Championship final the past four seasons - Amanda Labella, Amanda Hallett, and Taylor Pearson.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Siena Mamayek joins the volleyball program as a Sophomore this season, after a successful season on the Lady Raiders' basketball team.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Co-Captain Leslie Hirschfeld gave Melrose a defensive presence at the net, essential for keeping the Melrose offense on the attack.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Run and Fun. Co-Captain Lauren Howe (above) and Laura Irwin (below) are two potent hitters looking to return Melrose to its power hitting roots.
__________________________________________________________________________________Standing out in a crowd. Hannah Brickley (center) anchored the Lady Raiders interior defense last season as a Freshman. Coaches Celli and Wall and Melrose fans know there won't be any sophomore jinx.
_________________________________________________________________________________


Volleyball techniques from You Tube.

Photos courtesy of Don Norris.

New Gym, New Schedule, New Team

Click charts and pictures to ENLARGE.


The lines are going down, the logo has just been painted, and the new gymnasium is scheduled to come online in September, just in time for the volleyball season.

Speaking of the season. Here's the schedule. Start times subject to change.

The Lady Raiders volleyball team has worked hard this summer to try to get back to the form that has had them into the Division II North championship final the past four seasons. Many of the players attended the BC camp, and most of the team has just wrapped up the preseason night camp at Bentley College.

Countdown to 2007 Season

The countdown to the 2007 season has begun, with a new gymnasium nearing completion. Today the hardwood maple floor was sanded, in preparation for painting in the lines and finishing seal coating. The stands are expected to arrive on or around August 20th with installation to follow.

The 2007 season presents challenges, like every season does, replacing much of the back row defense, especially losing three year veteran Laura Dillon to graduation. Replacing outside hitter Rachel Towle won't be easy either.

But Coach Scott Celli return talent and depth as always. Fans and coaches look for a breakout season for Nicole Glavine up front, and solid defense from middle hitters Captain Leslie Hirschfeld and Sophomore Hannah Brickley. Captains Lauren Howe and Gina Ciccone will both provide stability and experience. Ciccone returns as the lone starter from the 2005 State Finalist, but Melrose will seek to return to the Division II North finals for the fifth consecutive season, having come up just short trying to defend their previous three titles last season.

Melrose will need to improve all aspects of their game to get back to the Championship Bracket this season, looking for even more consistent passing to setter Colleen Hanscom, who will try to set the middle and outside in the classic: bump, set, spike pattern that the best teams develop. Melrose has a number of returning players and quality junior varsity players looking to break through to get time this season.

Tryouts this year take place at the Marcoux Gym.

Here are times:

Aug 23,24,27 (V)8-10/1-3 (JV)10-12

Aug 28,29,30 (V)4-6 (JV)2-4

Aug 31 (V)8-10/1-3 (JV)10-12

The Lady Raiders travel for a "play day" at Medway HS on Sat. September 1st against some of the top teams in the state. We will play Ashland, Medway, Medfield, Lincoln Sudbury, Holliston, and Kenston HS (from Ohio).

On Wed. Sept 5, Melrose travels to Newton North for our annual 3:30 scrimmage. Newton North perennially challenges for supremacy in Division I.

The Lady Raiders open the season Fri, September 7th at home vs Lexington.

"Tradition never graduates." Volleyball on the Horizon

This week many present and would-be volleyballers will attend the Boston College volleyball camp to improve and to develop the skills needed for a successful season. And they will move into a new gym this fall with the opening of the Melrose Middle School (above)

Workers have placed the new hardwood floor, and are preparing to hang the baskets, and stripe the courts. Word has it that seating capacity will be about 900, which should be perfect for hosting high school sporting events and we hope some regional tournament games.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Melrose will combine a potent group of senior talent like Gina Ciccone, Lauren Howe, Leslie Hirschfeld, and Nicole Glavin with promising younger hitters like Hannah Brickley and Laura Irwin. Bridging the two will be Colleen Hanscom who will likely step in as setter for Coach Scott Celli.

Captains Hirschfeld, Howe, and Ciccone (L to R) will look to get back to the Division II North Chempionship Finals for the fifth consecutive year.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Winning volleyball demands defensive consistency and powerful hitting. Melrose will try to develop the hitting power capable of bringing the Middlesex League title back to Melrose. Sophomore Laura Irwin (above) has the potential to be the next power outside hitter in the Melrose tradition.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Coach Scott Celli's squad will have plenty of opportunities throughout the lineup following some key losses to graduation. But the V-ballers have identified and developed new talent annually and expect to enjoy continued success, aided by school support and grounded in a winning tradition.