Now that you've had your Japanese refresher course, we'll look back in time to a couple of effective Melrose hitters from the past. You have to click on the photos to get the full view.
First: Jen Cohane
2004 D2 North Championship. Amanda Hallett prepares the set. Note Jen is just behind the attack line.
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The ball is near its apex, and Jen has taken one step forward in her approach.
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She has taken the second step and started her jump.
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Here her arm swing is about at contact. Good balance and going to have down contact with ball.
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Here's another sequence, with Karen Sen in the middle, the free ball has just come over the net and she is preparing to get into hitting position.
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She has both feet set (alternatively could be walking into the shot), awaiting the set.
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Amanda has the ball and Karen is in an athletic position ready to approach.
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With her first power step, she has the arms back preparing to launch into the jump. This is the more classic approach.
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She has completed the second step and into the arm swing strike.
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She is contacting the ball high enough over the net to reduce the chance of an effective double block from the middle.
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The ball has escaped the block and is en route to the floor.
The point isn't that everyone has to be a 'cookie cutter' image, but effective hitters will:
have a consistent approach
generate enough height such that the ball crosses the net at enough height to decrease the chance of a successful block. The back arm swing can help launch the attack.
hit down enough to both keep the ball in the court and ideally in front of the back row
For parents who have the DVDs of the games, I recommend playback with frame by frame analysis so that players can actually see what they are doing. Sometimes what you are doing and what you think you are doing are not congruous. Media Player Classic Home Cinema is one free program that allows this, although I'm sure others do as well.
An FYI. On this week's "Let's Talk Sports", Ralph and Ron will discuss some important issues concerning high school athletes.
'Tis better to win ugly, than lose pretty, no matter what a coach might say in the heat of battle. You win as a team, lose as a team, and struggle as a team. And yesterday, in the sweltering heat in the Middle School Gym, Melrose won the war but lost a battle, defeating the Stoneham Spartans 3-1. The win moves Melrose to 6-0, 5-0 in the Middlesex League, as the team prepares for some big upcoming matches.
Rachel Johnson hits against Winchester.
Game analysis: Life is about making adjustments, as changes occur during work ("school is children's work"), relationships, and how we cope with those changes. Those in the Viktor Frankl camp ("Man's Search for Meaning") might call that suffering.
History doesn't repeat, but it rhymes. Sports reflects a microcosm of life, and the challenges of evolution. One knowledgeable long-time observer called yesterday's game "the worst I've seen Melrose play in years." For the city of Melrose, it has been a tumultuous week, and how we deal with the aftershocks determines who we are.
During yesterday's contest, Stoneham, well-coached by Andrew Viselli (who has a previous state title pelt on his horse), made the better adjustments early defensively, but Melrose adapted and overcame with a few tricks of their own. Stoneham's height bothered Melrose as they blocked numerous Lady Raider slams and they rotated their defense forward to take away dinks and dunks. Coach Viselli also favors use of the outside attack with the short ball (a.k.a. short set, one-ball) from the middle, which although wasn't consistent, bothered Melrose at times. Reading used Viselli's methods in 2004 to take a match from the 2004 Division 2 North champion team.
Elite volleyball teams sometimes use the short ball to compensate for a lack of height.
About thirty seconds into this video, there's a great example of a short spike.
Set 1. Melrose dominated game one, leading 7-0 and 15-3 en route to a 25-9 rout. Uncharacteristically, the team had three service errors, but double digit kills and spread the offense around with three kills for Athena and a pair apiece for Alyssa, Rachel, and Jill. So far so good.
Set 2. Melrose again gets off to a fast start, leading 10-1, but gradually the momentum begins to ebb. Stoneham closes to 10-6 before a five point Melrose run temporarily restores order. But the team is playing tentatively, and from 15-6, only outscores Stoneham 10-8 to take the second stanza. The offense is stale, unofficially recording only five kills, three by Athena.
Set 3. Melrose again takes the early lead, 4-1, but has only one kill. Stoneham fights back, tieing the game at 7, 9, 11, 12, and 13, before going on their own spree to lead 17-13. Clearly, the coaching staff is frustrated, but making adjustments to try to reinvigorate the offense. Melrose closes to 16-18 and 19-20, before knotting the game at 21. From an 18-14 deficit, the Lady Raiders get eight kills in nine points including three more from Athena and a pair from Jill, cutting the 24-21 deficit to 24-23. Nevertheless, they can't seal the deal as an outside spike goes into the net and Stoneham hands Melrose their first set loss of the season.
Set 4. Reminiscent of Blackstone Valley in the state semifinals in 2005, a disappointing third set loss triggers a revival in game 4. The team simply restores order and the new sheriff in town, Athena Ziavras locks up the contest with a brilliant display of varied kills (6), ably abetted by sophomore Rachel Johnson who delivers five. Melrose has a remarkable 16 kills in the game , riding an 11-2 run (most of which occur with Brooke Bell serving) to a 25-11 victory. Stoneham never gets closer than seven points after that. Identifying the holes in the anything but porous Stoneham defense and exploiting them made the difference down the stretch.
Fans and coaches might ask themselves, which is the 'real' Melrose volleyball version 2010. I would simply say that young teams experience growing pains which manifest in different ways. Yesterday's action demonstrated the pitfalls of 1) momentary passivity and 2) inadequate communication, both eminently correctable. Coaches want their teams to reflect their personality, and Coach Scott Celli teams ordinarily show toughness, teamwork, and energy.
The momentum shift that Stoneham achieved reflects credit on their players and coaching staff. Melrose was able to right the ship and seal the deal in the end. We trade in results, not excuses.
Maxpreps.com uses a computerized ranking system based on record and strength of schedule. Melrose checks in at number 11 in their initial rankings. Medfield and Barnstable lead the pack, with future opponent Central Catholic at four. Melrose scrimmaged Chelmsford preseason and captured that scrimmage.
Melrose's lower strength of schedule in the Middlesex League tends to hold them down in the rankings.
"Sneaky" number 11 with a set - kill into space
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Alyssa lines one up. Her defense has been outstanding recently.
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Jill thrills with a kill.
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Brooke Bell is in the top 6 assists per game in Massachusetts.
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Alyssa hits from the middle with a 'cup' of Melrose players having 'pushed forward'.
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Jill serves as she has a breakout season to become one of the top players in the Middlesex League.
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Sarah prepares to dig out a smash to the corner...
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And Jen makes an instinctive deflection at the net to keep the ball in play (over the net) and save a point. These are the types of plays that good teams make instinctively AND consistently.
Melrose traveled to Winchester and came away with a straight set victory over a stubborn host, 25-13, 25-14, and 25-13.
Melrose got off to a sluggish start in game one, trailing 6-2 behind some sloppy offensive play as the hitters looked to get into gear (Jeff Mate' provided the video). Melrose then ran off a 17-2 run behind a terrific service run by Sarah McGowan including a pair of aces. This spurt featured three kills from Senior Captain Athena Ziavras.
Late in the game, Jill Slabacheski went on a killing spree with four kills among the final eight points. Athena and Jill each had four kills for the game among thirteen for Melrose.
The game encapsulated some of the features that have characterized Melrose volleyball:
Historically, the team has often come out slowly, in the "feeling out" adjustment process.
The overall passing game has improved dramatically through the years. The setters no longer have to run down passes like frisbee-catching dogs, and that tends to improve the second pass leading to the attack.
The maturation process of the "big hitters" accelerates with better passing.
More volleyball experience at younger ages produces more offensive and attacking players who can recognize problems and make quick decisions to correct them. In the past, only the 'elite' players, destined to be All-Scholastics made these adjustments. In the first game, young players Rachel Johnson and Jen Cain both effected deflections that many players in the past would not have created.
Fans should recognize the development of setter Brooke Bell, who seldom makes overpasses, is a solid defender, finds the proper passing angles, and identifies 'dink' opportunities without forcing them. Although only a sophomore, she makes the team run. I am willing to predict that she will be an all-state player sooner rather than later.
At your service. Overall, the team has a number of offensive servers who create headaches for the defense. In addition to Athena, Jill, and Alyssa, Sarah has developed a vicious variety of serves.
Game two saw more control from Melrose, with a quick 5-2 lead and gradual extension. Winchester narrowed the gap to 16-12, but a 9-2 run closed out the Sachems. Melrose unofficially had 11 kills for the game, 2 service errors and several blocks. Alyssa added four kills, Jill three, and Athena two.
Melrose revved up the offense late in game three, with the game tied at 1,2,3, 4, 5, and 6 and Winchester leading 12-7. A huge service run (fifteen points) from Brook catapulted the Lady Raiders to a 22-12 advantage and Sarah closed it out with an ace. Melrose added another 11 kills, including five for Athena and three for Brooke.
Game analysis: Winchester has continued to bring their skill level up admirably despite their relative inexperience (two years) in volleyball. They don't have the big hitters or elite defenders needed to score and defend against the best teams, but they're making very good progress. Melrose continues to find its identity, while preparing for the iron in the upcoming schedule. There's still a lot of work to be done, especially developing power offense from the mid court, but the progress is palpable.
Tomorrow the Lady Raiders travel to Winchester for a 4 P.M. match against the second year program that made the playoffs in their inaugural campaign in 2009. Melrose will set its goals high, continuous improvement of the roster top to bottom and improving the global process that is quality volleyball. Simply put, last week is over.
Jill Slabacheski had the best game of her career against Reading.
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A pensive coach, Scott Celli always looks for ways to get the most from his troops.
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Strength up the middle? Melrose has no secrets, with a blend of youth and experience. Here Rachel Johnson, Jen Cain, and Athena Ziavras are ready for action. Rachel has excelled in the middle, Athena leads the team in kills, and Jen has become an 'auxiliary setter' giving Melrose more offensive options.
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Alyssa battles at the net, and the team takes Coach Celli's push forward message to heart.
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Sarah McGowan and Jill have delivered on the athleticism that this year's team promised.
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Jill crushes a spike into the Rocket defense.
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Coach Steve Wall is the other integral part of Melrose's dynamic coaching duo.
As usual, the photos are courtesy of the camerawork and Photoshop expertise of Don Norris!
Don Norris sends his photojournalism from the exciting road win at Reading. Reading showed strong defensive skills and excellent hitting presenting a big challenge for Melrose.
Athena tips over the double block.
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Melrose had plenty of enthusiasm in reserve.
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Rachel Johnson looks on while preparing for her next rotation. As usual, she blocked effectively and her hitting is improving every game.
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Jill was immense in the win.
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The 'eye in the sky' recorded history with Jeff Mate', Ralph Labella, and Dick Collis doing a great job for MMTV. Their excellent broadcast is on MMTV channel 15. Ralph's daughter Amanda was one of the top setters in Melrose history.
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As usual, Melrose brought a big crowd to support the Lady Raiders.
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Volleyball season passes quickly. Twenty percent of the regular season has flown by with very few questions remaining.
Offense:
As expected, sophomore Brooke Bell has stepped in seamlessly, with the biggest dividend very consistent defense as well as offense
The hoped for offensive diversity has materialized, with strong hitting from the outside (Athena and Jill), excellent overall play from Alyssa, and outperformance from sophomore Rachel Johnson.
Youngsters Jen Cain and Sarah McGowan have shown that they belonged from the outset.
Service has proven to be a weapon for a number of players, and the team has kept service errors to a minimum
Defense:
Concerns about the back row inexperience simply haven't materialized, as the group has kept the ball off the floor, and mostly passed well
Rachel has been a defensive force in the middle
The defense has keyed this week's successful road quality wins
The defensive rotations/coverage have benefited from the players' quickness and athleticism
The team has shown it can play effectively on the road
Looking ahead:
The key regular season games from here are all at home.
The schedule so far projects for a potential titanic contest against perennial Division I power Central Catholic and Kendall Desrosiers
The rematch against Reading should pack the stands at the Middle School
The eventual rematch against North Reading in the post-season should present another contest worth waiting for.
Dick Collis has graciously provided a summary; so, off we go to recap a titanic struggle between long-time adversaries. Stats are unofficial.
Game 1 Melrose 25 Reading 22.
Reading had 3 service errors Melrose 1.
Melrose 8 kills 4 by Jill- 2 by Athena- and 2 by Brooke.
Aces-- Alyssa 1---
Melrose captured this game with a spirited comeback. I think Melrose was down 15 to 8
Game 2 Melrose 25 Reading 22
Service errors one apiece.
Melrose had 8 Kills 3 by Jill, 2 by Rachel Johnson, 2 by Athena- 1 by Alyssa.
Aces 4--Athena 1, 3 by Jill. --- Melrose had the lead from a 10-10 for the rest of the match.
Melrose was up 23 to 16 (echoes of 2002 at Reading), and Reading closed to 23 to 22 but unlike 2002 the Lady Raiders hung on and got the last 2 points to win. History doesn't repeat but it rhymes.
Game3 - Melrose 25 Reading 23
Service errors Reading had 5 Melrose 1, a critical difference
Melrose kills 3 by Athena- 1 by Jill -1 by Brooke--
Aces 3 by Athena- 1 by Jill--
Game tied at 16 and Melrose clung to narrow leads of a point.
Game was tied at 23, and Melrose got the last 2 points for the win
Game analysis: Reading hit very well, Melrose did a good job defending their power game. Reading service errors proved costly. This game had all the action of a "Havlicek stole the ball" contest. In many obervers' reckoning , Melrose faced the best overall team this season, a superior offensive team, and faced with the wild boar, Melrose brought home the bacon...
Don Norris reports that the lighting at Bishop Fenwick presented unusual challenges, but as usual he comes up with some great shots. Always click the pics to get the full shot.
Coach Celli has the players' full attention.
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Alyssa shows her defense. Girl's got skilz.
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Athena returns a serve, and Jill assumes the classic volleyball "praying mantis" posture.
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Rachel Johnson had another big game in the middle of the defense
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I'm thinking it was 'hair braids' day. Who didn't get the message?
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Athena with the overhead smash while Alyssa and Brooke look on.
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The JV had the best seats in the house.
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Alyssa bumps and Brooke calculates where to receive the pass.
Melrose put on a road show for the first time during the regular season, and emerged as queens of the court with a hard-fought straight set victory over Bishop Fenwick. Fenwick came in with an athletic, experienced team and promised to provide a good challenge for the young Lady Raiders.
Game one started out as a seesaw affair with the teams tied at 6, led by aces by Jill Slabacheski and Brooke Bell and an Athena Ziavras kill. Melrose then broke open the game with an Athena service run of eight points, highlighted by dominant offense with five kills in eight points, highlighted by a trio by Alyssa DiRaffaele, and one each from Jill and Athena.
Fenwick was able to close to 15-12, but Melrose used another service string to run off half a dozen points, including three aces by Alyssa to go up 21-12. Alyssa put the cherry on top of the sundae with a kill to close it out 25-15.
Melrose had eight kills, five aces, and only one service error for the game, with Alyssa leading the way with four kills.
Coach Celli went with a shorter rotation, with Sarah McGowan (above) coming in for Rachel Johnson in the back row and as a specialty server.
Game 2 saw a resolute Fenwick rally from a 5-2 deficit to go up 9-7. Melrose continued to show offensive diversity with kills by Brooke, Athena, Jen Cain, and Alyssa during the early going. Fenwick never quit, tying the contest at 9, 12, 13, and 14 with spirited and athletic play. But Melrose got its offense into high gear, closing with eight kills in the final eleven points, going on an 8-1 run from 14 apiece to put the game out of reach. A dink by Brooke at 18-14 was a huge point. The Bishops got within three at 23-20, but kills by super sophs Brooke and Rachel closed it out.
Melrose had 12 kills in game 2, including five from Athena, three from Brooke, and a pair from Rachel, with again only a single service error.
Rachel Johnson has stepped forward as a key blocker and hitter for Melrose.
Bishop Fenwick had every bad intention as host for the third game and put up a tremendous battle. The game was tied at 2, 3, and 10, before Fenwick went up 14-11 with great offense, although Melrose didn't allow a ball to hit the court. They could never extend the lead beyond three points, and Melrose knotted the stanza at 16 with a pair of Athena aces.
The game saw ties at 17, 18, and 19, before Melrose's offense assumed control, with four kills in five points, including a pair apiece from Rachel and Athena to go up 24-20. The hosts never quit, but Melrose's strength up the middle brought home a 25-22 victory.
The Lady Raiders had nine kills in game 3, including three apiece from Athena and Rachel and again a lone service error, and three for the match.
Game analysis: Strong teams complement solid offense with relentless defense, and Wednesday Melrose had its best defensive show of the season. Toss in the diversified offense and the maturing offensive presence of Rachel with the veteran leadership of Athena, Alyssa, and Jill, and Melrose remained unbeaten.
Opposite Jen Cain has been an unsung hero and strong passer in the front row.
The Lady Raiders travel to face long-time Middlesex League rival Reading in a key match.
