More great snaps from photojournalist Don Norris.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
D2 North Semi Shots
More great snaps from photojournalist Don Norris.
SWAT Team, Melrose 3 North Reading 0
In some cultures, the number '3' is lucky. Melrose (21-1) ousted North Reading in the post-season for the third consecutive season, as Scott Celli's chargers advance to the D2 North finals for the ninth consecutive season with a 25-17, 25-18, 25-18 win at the Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School Gym. It takes three wins to capture the D2 North title and Melrose seeks its third consecutive title.
"The star of the team is the team", as Melrose attacked from all directions and was able to maintain chemistry, communication, and energy for prolonged periods. But North Reading didn't make it easy.
As in the Lincoln-Sudbury win, Melrose's Alyssa DiRaffaele opened the match with an ace. After Melrose garnered a second point, the Hornets went on a 6-1 run to lead 6-3, before a service error started a Melrose run. Amanda Commito was back in form serving, as Melrose went up 8-6. Again the Hornets struck back, taking a 12-10 lead before the Lady Raiders turned the match around. Sydney Doherty hammered home a winner, and Jen Cain and Sarah McGowan went on a killing spree, with three winners apiece, turning a 14-12 deficit into a 20-15 lead. More Cain, McGowan, and Doherty put the Hornets down.
North Reading didn't plan to go easily, taking a 3-1 lead in the second stanza. But a J-Mac (Jill MacInnes) service run got Melrose to 7-3. Both of the youthful defenders, Amanda Commito and J-Mac looked much more comfortable in their second playoff appearance. North Reading was able to fight back to within a point at 10-9 and 17-16, but more DiRaffaele service magic, undeterred by Hornet timeouts gave Melrose an 8-2 finishing flourish.
Unofficially, Sarah had four kills, Jen three, and Sydney added another.
Melrose couldn't stand prosperity in the third, trailing 5-2 and 6-3 before another service error hurt North Reading. The Lady Raiders went up 7-6 before the Hornets swarmed to a 10-7 lead. A Melrose timeout refocused the energy and Sydney came up with a pair of critical kills at points 9 and 10 as Melrose leveled the set at twelve. Melrose then sniffed the finish line, going on an 8-2 run led by three kills by Sarah and a pair of authoritative finishes for Jill Slabacheski got Melrose to 20-14. North Reading never got closer than five and Doherty finished a winner at 24-18, although the Hornets got called for a net violation.
Game analysis. North Reading has shown a capacity to raise their game in the post-season and tonight was no exception. For Melrose, the coaching staff expects the "high profile" players, All-Staters Brooke and Sarah, and Middlesex League co-MVP Alyssa to shine. Yet the key to the victory was Jen Cain stepping up with double digit kills, and a very solid substitute role offensively and defensively in the middle by Sydney Doherty and steady play on the outside by Jill Slabacheski. Also, the back row was back in form as they became accustomed to the playoff intensity.
We look forward to going to the sectional finals in Lawrence's new facility that we've heard great reports about. If the Boston Globe scoreboard is correct, their opponent will be Bishop Fenwick.
Burlington Recap via Melrose Free Press
The Melrose Free Press has a summary of the opening round playoff game. The print edition has a couple of worthwhile photographs as well.
Semifinals Tonight
The Melrose Middle School becomes the battleground again as Melrose volleyball renews its rivalry against North Reading. The Hornets stand in the way of the ninth consecutive trip to the Division 2 North championship Saturday at Lawrence. Game time is 7 PM.
North Reading has gone 12-5 since an 0-3 start. The teams have few common opponents. Melrose beat Lynnfield during the preseason, and Bishop Fenwick and Lexington (twice) during the regular campaign.
Melrose has exceptional depth this season, and may need to use that with Rachel Johnson (134 kills) on the mend from illness, although Melrose has four players with at least 100 kills this season, Sarah McGowan, Rachel, Jen Cain, and Jill Slabacheski. Add in All-State setter Brooke Bell and Middlesex League co-MVP Alyssa DiRaffaele and Melrose delivers a potent offense.
Watch more videos of Melrose volleyball
Melrose has enjoyed a lot of success in its terrific home venue...slaying a lot of dragons through the years.
For the postseason, Sophomore Annalisa DeBari moves up to the varsity.
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Site Unseen?
D2 North Semis Up Next
The Division 2 North Semifinals have been very good to Melrose through the years, with the Lady Raiders riding an eight-year winning streak.
The North Reading Hornets come to the Middle School Gymnasium to take up the gauntlet against the highest remaining seed in D2 North.
Melrose defeated the Hornets in the D2 North finals in 2009 and in the semis last year as Kayla Wyland had a breakout performance.
North Reading always has athletic defenders and diversified offense.
North Reading's signature win this season came over Bishop Fenwick 3-2 and they've played better after losing their first three games of the season.
Preparing for Adversity
Kevin Sivils has written a series of wonderful books on basketball, but he adds great value through his academic training in sports psychology.
Today, he reviews the importance of coping with adversity.
Here is an excerpt:
Developing a proactive and positive plan to deal with adversity must deal with creating an appropriate mental mindset for both the coach and the players. Embracing adversity in concept is not enough. There must be a plan in place to deal with adversity and the challenges it will bring. Eight concepts are suggested here to be included in any plan developed to teach players and teams to deal with adversity and include:
Today, he reviews the importance of coping with adversity.
Here is an excerpt:
Developing a proactive and positive plan to deal with adversity must deal with creating an appropriate mental mindset for both the coach and the players. Embracing adversity in concept is not enough. There must be a plan in place to deal with adversity and the challenges it will bring. Eight concepts are suggested here to be included in any plan developed to teach players and teams to deal with adversity and include:
- Control what you can control
- Develop a strong TEAM concept
- Develop the ability to respond appropriately
- Demonstrated ability leads to confidence under stress
- Strategic and tactical preparation
- Appropriate response to mistakes
- Teach problem solving
- Develop depth in the roster as early in the season as possible
In 2005, Melrose played the eventual Division 1 finalist Andover on a Saturday afternoon in Andover. Setter Amanda Hallett broke a shoelace during a critical moment in the game, and reserve setter Taylor Pearson came in and the team won 6 of 7 points while she was in the game as the 'equipment malfunction' got repaired. Melrose won that set and the game.
As we teach our young players, "the star of the team is the team."
Meanwhile, the D2 North section has played out as I projected it would, with Stoneham and Bishop Fenwick on one side of the bracket and Melrose and North Reading on the other.
Monday, November 07, 2011
Advanced Placement, Melrose 3 Burlington 0
Melrose, despite a wealth of experience, brought a young team to the playoff stage tonight, and shook off some early jitters to advance to the D2 North semifinals with a 25-23, 25-8, 25-18 win. The Class of 2012 becomes the first Melrose class to have four twenty win seasons as they move to 20-1.
Melrose again had to improvise on its lineup as junior middle Rachel Johnson sat out with illness.
The first set saw Melrose go out fast 3-0 and 8-2, only to allow Burlington to come back and lead with self-inflicted wounds, including five first set service errors. But from an 18-15 deficit, Melrose fought back to tie at 18 and lead at 21-18, only to see the Red Devils tie at 21 and keep it tight at 24-23. But a Kayla Wyland kill from the opposite found a hole and Melrose escaped.
All-state attacker Sarah McGowan had three kills, Jill Slabacheski added three, and another all-stater, setter Brooke Bell, tallied a deuce. But key kills from Sydney Doherty, Jen Cain, and Kayla put Melrose over the top.
Set two saw Melrose rule from box to wire. A 3-0 lead got as close as 5-4 before Melrose went on a 13-1 run behind McGowan and Bell serves to cool off the Devils. Melrose never allowed Burlington to gather any momentum while keeping the visitors in single digits.
Jen Cain carried the biggest stick of the frame with four kills, ably assisted by three apiece from Sarah and Sydney. Four more service errors marred the party.
While Melrose removed any doubts in the second set, the third set lacked drama after Melrose went out 6-0 and from 12-6, the Red Devils never got closer than five at 18-13. Melrose just had too many offensive answers, even without their second leading hitter (Rachel).
Unofficially, Sarah (S-Mac?) added another half dozen winners, while Jill Slabacheski and Jen each fired in a trey. Melrose celebrated prematurely at 24-17 as they were called in the net, but Burlington returned the favor at 25, and Melrose moves on.
Game Analysis: Melrose followed John Wooden's script of "don't whine, don't complain, and don't make excuses" as the reorganized lineup made offensive adjustments. The Lady Raiders got big games from their biggest guns, and enhanced production from Jen and Jill while the back row did its usual blue-collar job led by Middlesex League co-MVP Alyssa DiRaffaele, and the young backliners Jill MacInnes and Amanda Commito..
In other action, perennial state champion Medfield was eliminated 3-1 by Westborough, which will face Marlboro in the Central semis.
Advanced Placement, Melrose 3 Burlington 0
Melrose, despite a wealth of experience, brought a young team to the playoff stage tonight, and shook off some early jitters to advance to the D2 North semifinals with a 25-23, 25-8, 25-18 win. The Class of 2012 become the first Melrose class to have four twenty win seasons as they move to 20-1.
Melrose again had to improvise on its lineup as junior middle Rachel Johnson sat out with illness.
The first set saw Melrose go out fast 3-0 and 8-2, only to allow Burlington to come back and lead with self-inflicted wounds, including five first set service errors. But from an 18-15 deficit, Melrose fought back to tie at 18 and lead at 21-18, only to see the Red Devils tie at 21 and keep it tight at 24-23. But a Kayla Wyland kill from the opposite found a hole and Melrose escaped.
All-state attacker Sarah McGowan had three kills, Jill Slabacheski added three, and another all-stater, setter Brooke Bell, tallied a deuce. But key kills from Sydney Doherty, Jen Cain, and Kayla put Melrose over the top.
Set two saw Melrose rule from box to wire. A 3-0 lead got as close as 5-4 before Melrose went on a 13-1 run behind McGowan and Bell serves to cool off the Devils. Melrose never allowed Burlington to gather any momentum while keeping the visitors in single digits.
Jen Cain carried the biggest stick of the frame with four kills, ably assisted by three apiece from Sarah and Sydney. Four more service errors marred the party.
While Melrose removed any doubts in the second set, the third set lacked drama after Melrose went out 6-0 and from 12-6, the Red Devils never got closer than five at 18-13. Melrose just had too many offensive answers, even without their second leading hitter (Rachel).
Unofficially, Sarah (S-Mac?) added another half dozen winners, while Jill Slabacheski and Jen each fired in a trey. Melrose celebrated prematurely at 24-17 as they were called in the net, but Burlington returned the favor at 25, and Melrose moves on.
Game Analysis: Melrose followed John Wooden's script of "don't whine, don't complain, and don't make excuses" as the reorganized lineup made offensive adjustments. The Lady Raiders got big games from their biggest guns, and enhanced production from Jen and Jill while the back row did its usual blue-collar job led by Middlesex League co-MVP Alyssa DiRaffaele, and the young backliners Jill MacInnes and Amanda Commito..
In other action, perennial state champion Medfield was eliminated 3-1 by Westborough, which will face Marlboro in the Central semis.
"The Best Time of the Year"
Daughter Paula called the postseason "the best time of the year", when the challenge meant playing the best teams before enthusiastic crowds.
Many successful athletes use breathing techniques, mental imaging, and create a personal highlight reel to reinforce neural pathways to maximize athletic performance.
You want to be the school with the target on your back. You have to be fearless when attacking. You capitalize on experience. It's about stepping up in the big moments.
Sunday, November 06, 2011
More Honors for Melrose Volleyballers
The Massachusetts Girls Volleyball Coaches Association (MGVCA) has named Brooke Bell and Sarah McGowan to the Division 2 All-State team.
They become the sixth and seventh Lady Raiders to achieve this distinction. Congratulations and well-deserved recognition of achievement to both.
They become the sixth and seventh Lady Raiders to achieve this distinction. Congratulations and well-deserved recognition of achievement to both.
Melrose-Burlington Preview
Melrose and Burlington have very different volleyball legacies. Melrose has appeared in the Division 2 North finals eight consecutive seasons, winning five, and Burlington is a newcomer to post-season play having their best season ever.
Photo by Don Norris.
In their first meeting this year, Melrose defeated Burlington 25-11, 25-16, and 25-23. In their second encounter, Burlington proved more resilient, Melrose winning 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, and 25-13.
Burlington earns a quarterfinal appearance with a 3-0 rout of Burke in the first round, and their best two wins of the season were a pair of 3-1 wins over Stoneham. Melrose has appeared in the Maxpreps.com top 20 in Massachusetts all season, and Burlington comes in ranked 95.
However, in the Burlington Union earlier this year, coach Carolyn Crowley was quoted, “I think that playing the tougher teams really brings out the best in the team.”
Melrose has won at least one playoff game every year since 2002, with the dramatic five set comeback win over Dracut literally launching the program to prominence. The Lady Raiders look to match the 2003-2005 edition of Melrose volleyball that won consecutive Division 2 North Championships and appeared in a state championship final.
Support your team and see hard-nosed, competitive volleyball at the Middle School Gym at 7 PM Monday.
In their first meeting this year, Melrose defeated Burlington 25-11, 25-16, and 25-23. In their second encounter, Burlington proved more resilient, Melrose winning 22-25, 25-15, 25-16, and 25-13.
Burlington earns a quarterfinal appearance with a 3-0 rout of Burke in the first round, and their best two wins of the season were a pair of 3-1 wins over Stoneham. Melrose has appeared in the Maxpreps.com top 20 in Massachusetts all season, and Burlington comes in ranked 95.
However, in the Burlington Union earlier this year, coach Carolyn Crowley was quoted, “I think that playing the tougher teams really brings out the best in the team.”
Melrose has won at least one playoff game every year since 2002, with the dramatic five set comeback win over Dracut literally launching the program to prominence. The Lady Raiders look to match the 2003-2005 edition of Melrose volleyball that won consecutive Division 2 North Championships and appeared in a state championship final.
Support your team and see hard-nosed, competitive volleyball at the Middle School Gym at 7 PM Monday.
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Boston Globe Tournament Capsule
Liz Torres has her Boston Globe volleyball tournament preview. Here are her comments regarding the North.
Respect your opponents, as playoff volleyball has a higher intensity level. The team that can bring sustained and consistent intensity has an enormous edge.
Andover and Central Catholic will be competing for the driver's seat in the Div. 1 North. Central Catholic served the Golden Warriors its only loss of the season. Reading will be in the backdrop with a solid chance to advance to the semifinals until they meet Central Catholic.
Although Div. 2 Boston English's Yabriela Perez has a killer hit, Melrose should fly by to the final while Lynnfield strides to the Div. 3 North final.
Respect your opponents, as playoff volleyball has a higher intensity level. The team that can bring sustained and consistent intensity has an enormous edge.
Core Concepts
Cross-post from MelroseGirlsBasketball.com.
What happens on the court evolves from strengthening self-imaging and constructing achievable goals and the process to reach them.
For example, one part of your performance statement might be, "focused and relaxed, I get to every ball and deliver the pass." As part of your identity statement, you might say, "I am the mentally toughest player on the floor. I do my job every time I step on the court."
What happens on the court evolves from strengthening self-imaging and constructing achievable goals and the process to reach them.
For example, one part of your performance statement might be, "focused and relaxed, I get to every ball and deliver the pass." As part of your identity statement, you might say, "I am the mentally toughest player on the floor. I do my job every time I step on the court."
Friday, November 04, 2011
Handicapping the Early Bracket
UPDATED
Several games open up tonight in the D2 North brackets, and it's a lot like conference and BCS play in college football. Overall, the strength historically is in the Central bracket, and we can look at several of the early games.
Stoneham hosts Bedford on the "other" side of the bracket. Stoneham relies on three players above all, Sam Trant, Cristina Dakoyannis, and setter Krissa Leong. Leong is consistent and has good overall play, and Trant, considering her sophomore status is a talent. Stoneham has an excellent chance to go to Andover but will rely heavily on Trant playing at a high level in the post-season.
The best game of the night may be Bishop Fenwick hosting Winchester. Fenwick, last year's D2 North finalist, has excellent defense and Winchester has shown steady improvement during their time in the Middlesex League. Fenwick has a couple of local players, Anna Witkowski and Jen Crovo. Based on their defense, Fenwick deserves favorite status.
Finally, Burlington travels to Burke. The city teams have considerable handicaps against what I'll call the "mid-majors" to extend the football analogy, and Burlington is a prohibitive favorite to win and face Melrose on Monday.
But there's an old saying, "that's why they play the games." And apologies if I've got any of the spelling wrong!
Today's results. No prediction errors.
Several games open up tonight in the D2 North brackets, and it's a lot like conference and BCS play in college football. Overall, the strength historically is in the Central bracket, and we can look at several of the early games.
Stoneham hosts Bedford on the "other" side of the bracket. Stoneham relies on three players above all, Sam Trant, Cristina Dakoyannis, and setter Krissa Leong. Leong is consistent and has good overall play, and Trant, considering her sophomore status is a talent. Stoneham has an excellent chance to go to Andover but will rely heavily on Trant playing at a high level in the post-season.
The best game of the night may be Bishop Fenwick hosting Winchester. Fenwick, last year's D2 North finalist, has excellent defense and Winchester has shown steady improvement during their time in the Middlesex League. Fenwick has a couple of local players, Anna Witkowski and Jen Crovo. Based on their defense, Fenwick deserves favorite status.
Finally, Burlington travels to Burke. The city teams have considerable handicaps against what I'll call the "mid-majors" to extend the football analogy, and Burlington is a prohibitive favorite to win and face Melrose on Monday.
But there's an old saying, "that's why they play the games." And apologies if I've got any of the spelling wrong!
Thursday, November 03, 2011
Honor Roll
The regular season is over, so let's examine the accomplishments of the season so far.
Currently, Melrose is ranked in the top 20 among Maxpreps, although has defeated the number 7 and the number 12 teams.
Melrose won another Middlesex League championship, finishing at 13-0 in league play.
The league coaches have selected the all-star team, which included four Melrose players:
Melrose won another Middlesex League championship, finishing at 13-0 in league play.
The league coaches have selected the all-star team, which included four Melrose players:
- Brooke Bell
- Jen Cain
- Alyssa DiRaffaele (league co-MVP)
- Sarah McGowan
Brooke Bell finished fourth in assists in Massachusetts (482) and went over 1000 for her career this year.
Sarah McGowan finished tenth in kills (233), and Melrose had a pair of additional players with over 100 kills, Rachel Johnson (134), and Jen Cain (115).
Melrose scrimmages at Andover tomorrow (3:30).
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Bracketology
Mate' Magic
Jeff Mate' with a remarkable turnaround on yesterday's highlights.
Couldn't get to Lincoln-Sudbury yesterday? See the best shots in Jeff's highlights.
Couldn't get to Lincoln-Sudbury yesterday? See the best shots in Jeff's highlights.
Photoessay: Melrose-Lincoln Log
Don Norris captures the intensity of the moment.
To paraphrase the legendary "Ball Four" : "You spend a good piece of your life gripping a volleyball and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time."
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Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Signature Win, Roaring into the Playoffs, Melrose Blasts L-S 3-0
The foreshadowing of the day came on the opening point, an Alyssa DiRaffaele ace, and the senior tri-captain never let up on the day, delivering great serves and putting in the best defensive performance of her career. L-S responded to go up 3-1, and the teams traded points throughout the first set, with ties at 4, 6, 9 and 12 before Melrose went up for good at 15-12. The hosts never got closer than one at 15-14, and the Lady Raiders closed out the set with a 13-6 run from twelve. It was an inauspicious start for Senior Night.
Melrose had four aces and twelve kills including five for Sarah McGowan, three for Jen Cain, and a pair apiece for Jill Slabacheski.
The second set began better for L-S with a 7-1 lead, triggering a Scott Celli timeout. Melrose chipped away to 8-6 and 11-10, before finally getting the equalizer at 14, with ties at 15, 17, and 18. An L-S service error gave Melrose the lead at 19-18, and Melrose got key attacks from Jill and Jen to go up 22-19, only to see L-S get even at 22. A Warrior error gave Melrose the lead 23-22, and in the key juncture of the match, Alyssa delivered consecutive aces to win 25-22.
Melrose had another four kills from Sarah, three from Jen, and a pair for Jill, and had no service errors for the set.
In the third set, Melrose played Secretariat in the 1973 Belmont Stakes. They raced out to a 3-0 lead, held the edge at 3-2, and then went on 10-5 and 17-8 runs to double up L-S at 20-10. Rachel Johnson did the lion's share of the damage, opening up a 21-13 lead from 13-8 with four kills. Melrose coasted in from there as the Warriors seemed overwhelmed.
Rachel had her four kills, Sarah three, Jen and Jill a pair apiece, and setter Brooke Bell, with yet another masterful performance delivered a deceptive dink in the midst of a five point run.
Game Analysis: Melrose volleyball version 2011 earned another 'signature win' over a high quality Division I opponent. After last week's loss to Westborough, Coach Celli amped up the service intensity seeking a higher risk-reward equation, and intensified the team's running to prepare for potentially longer postseason matches.
What noticeably improved and outstanding, however, was on-court communication and the play of the back row, led by Alyssa, by abetted by heavy doses of Jill MacInnes, Amanda Commito, Brooke, and Jen. The back row made so many outstanding digs as to recall the great play of Kerry Dillon in the past. I look forward to watching the MMTV broadcast in the near future.
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