Sunday, October 13, 2013
Melrose - Woburn Photoessay
Photographs courtesy of Don Norris. Click image to see the entire frame. We are fortunate that Don shares his great shots with us.
Block City 2013...fingers are spread in good technique...improved play of the front row has made the back row's job more predictable lately.
The Great Wall 2012. Rachel Johnson (5) and Kayla Wyland (15) with elevation, extension, and a little more penetration of the airspace at the net. This helps the block land back on the side of the attacker.
Another view of the same action.
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Game 14: Melrose 3 Woburn 0
Woburn returned for the second year of its participation in volleyball and gave a good account of itself in a 25-14, 25-8, 25-19 victory for Melrose.
Woburn had a number of freshmen and sophomores getting heavy playing time and its easy to envision the Tanners moving into the upper half of ML volleyball, especially with Athletic Evolution located in Woburn.
Melrose dominated set one, leading 4-1, 8-3, and 14-5 before coasting to the first set edge. Unofficially, junior Meri Lessing and freshman Victoria Crovo had three kills apiece.
Set two was a rout with Melrose up 6-1, 13-3, and 18-4 along the way. Annalisa DeBari had four kills and Meri three, along with a pile of assists for setter Allie Nolan as Melrose put up eleven kills.
Coach Scott Celli substituted liberally in set two and three, and Woburn got off to a commanding 8-1 lead early. But the coaches let the players "play through it" and they went on a 10-0 run to lead 11-8 and after 12-10, the Tanners never got closer than three. With Melrose up 23-15, Woburn took a time out and ran off four points, but Hannah Mulcahy had one of her pair of kills at 24 to get Melrose to match point and a Woburn error sealed the deal.
Game Notes: The win keeps Melrose undefeated in the Middlesex League as they close in on their seventh consecutive Middlesex League title.
Former Lady Raiders Sydney Doherty and Rachel Johnson from last year's championship team were both in the house as they came home for the long weekend.
Latest update from Maxpreps.com
Remaining regular season schedule
Playoff preview.
Likely qualifiers for D2 North tournament. Greater Lawrence has a record of 8-6. Belmont is at 7-7 and is on the bubble. At this point, that would make eleven qualifiers, with three play-in games and the five top seeds (by record) with a first round bye.
Weston could be a sleeper, with Coach Fabe Ardila, and two solid hitters averaging at least three kills/set, senior Paige Gordon and freshman Athena Ardila.
Woburn had a number of freshmen and sophomores getting heavy playing time and its easy to envision the Tanners moving into the upper half of ML volleyball, especially with Athletic Evolution located in Woburn.
Melrose dominated set one, leading 4-1, 8-3, and 14-5 before coasting to the first set edge. Unofficially, junior Meri Lessing and freshman Victoria Crovo had three kills apiece.
Set two was a rout with Melrose up 6-1, 13-3, and 18-4 along the way. Annalisa DeBari had four kills and Meri three, along with a pile of assists for setter Allie Nolan as Melrose put up eleven kills.
Coach Scott Celli substituted liberally in set two and three, and Woburn got off to a commanding 8-1 lead early. But the coaches let the players "play through it" and they went on a 10-0 run to lead 11-8 and after 12-10, the Tanners never got closer than three. With Melrose up 23-15, Woburn took a time out and ran off four points, but Hannah Mulcahy had one of her pair of kills at 24 to get Melrose to match point and a Woburn error sealed the deal.
Game Notes: The win keeps Melrose undefeated in the Middlesex League as they close in on their seventh consecutive Middlesex League title.
Former Lady Raiders Sydney Doherty and Rachel Johnson from last year's championship team were both in the house as they came home for the long weekend.
Playoff preview.
Weston could be a sleeper, with Coach Fabe Ardila, and two solid hitters averaging at least three kills/set, senior Paige Gordon and freshman Athena Ardila.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Melrose - Reading Photoessay Part Two
Photos courtesy of Don Norris. Click image to see entire frame.
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
Melrose - Reading Photoessay First Look
Courtesy of Don Norris...click image to see the entire frame
Game 13: Melrose 3 Reading 0
It sounds pedestrian enough. Middlesex League leader Melrose goes into Reading and wins 3-0. It wasn't easy against the historically tough Rockets as Melrose won 25-13, 27-25, and 25-21.
Melrose has five seniors and all have carved out important roles on this year's team...and they needed contributions from all, as well as some help from their friends.
Reading jumped out to a 5-2 lead in set one, before Melrose went on a 14-4 spree to take command. From there the Lady Raiders coasted to a dominating first set win. Meri Lessing had four kills, senior Annalisa DeBari three, Marissa Cataldo and freshman Victoria Crovo a pair apiece.
The second set saw Melrose avoid disaster after getting out to an 8-6 edge. Reading then fired off a 16-8 run where Melrose's offense went dry to go up 22-16 and 24-18 with six set points. But senior Cassidy Barbaro pounded in five consecutive service points and Melrose capitalized on some Reading errors to get even at 24. Annalisa fought off a set point with a kill at 25-24, and Victoria gave Melrose the lead at 26-25 before a Reading miscue gave Melrose the set.
Meri added another trio of kills aided by two from Victoria (a.k.a. the V-Rex) along the way. Excellent play from seniors Maave Moriarty, Alyssa Abbott, and MVP candidate Jill MacInnes spearheaded the defense.
The third set was a back and forth affair. Melrose got off to a 6-2 lead before Reading squared the match at 6, leading to ties at 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20. But Melrose again showed late set toughness reeling off five of six finishing points to stay unbeaten in the ML.
Meri added three kills and Victoria another two and Melrose benefited from five Reading service errors.
Game notes: Melrose finished up a lengthy road swing remaining perfect away from the Middle School Gym. The team reduced its service errors to four for the day, as they seek to expand their 92 percent serving percentage.
Volleyball season flies by with just three weeks remaining in the regular season schedule.
*Today's games not included. Maxpreps does not have complete records for every team. Melrose has a two game lead with six league games remaining.
Remaining regular season schedule.
Melrose has five seniors and all have carved out important roles on this year's team...and they needed contributions from all, as well as some help from their friends.
Reading jumped out to a 5-2 lead in set one, before Melrose went on a 14-4 spree to take command. From there the Lady Raiders coasted to a dominating first set win. Meri Lessing had four kills, senior Annalisa DeBari three, Marissa Cataldo and freshman Victoria Crovo a pair apiece.
The second set saw Melrose avoid disaster after getting out to an 8-6 edge. Reading then fired off a 16-8 run where Melrose's offense went dry to go up 22-16 and 24-18 with six set points. But senior Cassidy Barbaro pounded in five consecutive service points and Melrose capitalized on some Reading errors to get even at 24. Annalisa fought off a set point with a kill at 25-24, and Victoria gave Melrose the lead at 26-25 before a Reading miscue gave Melrose the set.
Meri added another trio of kills aided by two from Victoria (a.k.a. the V-Rex) along the way. Excellent play from seniors Maave Moriarty, Alyssa Abbott, and MVP candidate Jill MacInnes spearheaded the defense.
The third set was a back and forth affair. Melrose got off to a 6-2 lead before Reading squared the match at 6, leading to ties at 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, and 20. But Melrose again showed late set toughness reeling off five of six finishing points to stay unbeaten in the ML.
Meri added three kills and Victoria another two and Melrose benefited from five Reading service errors.
Game notes: Melrose finished up a lengthy road swing remaining perfect away from the Middle School Gym. The team reduced its service errors to four for the day, as they seek to expand their 92 percent serving percentage.
Volleyball season flies by with just three weeks remaining in the regular season schedule.
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
Gritty, Grinding Win Over Lexington Keeps Melrose Atop ML
Melrose outlasted Lexington by making plays down the stretch on the road to remain unbeaten in ML play. Lexington had a pair of stars in Senior Olivia Goddard and sophomore Nikita Selivan who kept Lexington in the game.
Set one was back and forth with Lexington out 3-0, Melrose rallying to lead 8-4, but with ties at 10, 11, and 14. From there Lexington rallied to go up 21-15, only to see Melrose come back to within one at 22-21 until the Minutemen captured the final three points.
Meri Lessing had four kills and Annalisa DeBari three in the set.
The second set saw ties at 1, 2, 3, and 5 before Lex took the lead 10-6 and 17-11. But Melrose went on an 8-1 run to lead 19-18, only to see the home team regain the lead at 22-19. But a Scott Celli timeout erased the Lexington momentum, and service errors and defensive errors befell the home team, along with a pair of DeBari aces and a Victoria Crovo kill as Melrose won the last six points to win 25-22.
Victoria had a trio of kills and Meri a pair.
Set three was similarly close with Melrose leading 9-5 before Lex battled back to close to 9-7. At Melrose 14-9, Lexington won seven of the next 9 points to square it a 16, with ties forthcoming at 19, 20, and 21, only to see Melrose take four of the final five points with an impetus from Lessing kills. Meri and Victoria each notched three kills and Melrose survived three service errors.
Melrose trailed early 4-2 in set four before going 11-4 to lead 13-8. Lexington got as close as 19-16 and 20-17, but Victoria dominated with six fourth set kills (thirteen total) as Melrose won the final set 25-20.
Game notes: I watched the game on tape and was impressed with the quality of the overall play, and Melrose's resilience in winning the final three sets with persistence as much as talent. Lexington made a number of terrific plays but Melrose found answers, with spectacular back row play led by Jill MacInnes who had one of her top two games ever (comparable to last year's Westborough match). Melrose used its experience in big games to make plays when it mattered.
Set one was back and forth with Lexington out 3-0, Melrose rallying to lead 8-4, but with ties at 10, 11, and 14. From there Lexington rallied to go up 21-15, only to see Melrose come back to within one at 22-21 until the Minutemen captured the final three points.
Meri Lessing had four kills and Annalisa DeBari three in the set.
The second set saw ties at 1, 2, 3, and 5 before Lex took the lead 10-6 and 17-11. But Melrose went on an 8-1 run to lead 19-18, only to see the home team regain the lead at 22-19. But a Scott Celli timeout erased the Lexington momentum, and service errors and defensive errors befell the home team, along with a pair of DeBari aces and a Victoria Crovo kill as Melrose won the last six points to win 25-22.
Victoria had a trio of kills and Meri a pair.
Set three was similarly close with Melrose leading 9-5 before Lex battled back to close to 9-7. At Melrose 14-9, Lexington won seven of the next 9 points to square it a 16, with ties forthcoming at 19, 20, and 21, only to see Melrose take four of the final five points with an impetus from Lessing kills. Meri and Victoria each notched three kills and Melrose survived three service errors.
Melrose trailed early 4-2 in set four before going 11-4 to lead 13-8. Lexington got as close as 19-16 and 20-17, but Victoria dominated with six fourth set kills (thirteen total) as Melrose won the final set 25-20.
Game notes: I watched the game on tape and was impressed with the quality of the overall play, and Melrose's resilience in winning the final three sets with persistence as much as talent. Lexington made a number of terrific plays but Melrose found answers, with spectacular back row play led by Jill MacInnes who had one of her top two games ever (comparable to last year's Westborough match). Melrose used its experience in big games to make plays when it mattered.
Monday, October 07, 2013
Game 12: Melrose 3 Lexington 1
Melrose traveled to Lexington for the customary varsity matinee, emerging with a hard-fought 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-20 victory.
The win advances Melrose to 11-1 and keeps the Lady Raiders undefeated in Middlesex League play.
Last week's wins over lower ranked teams dropped Melrose in the Maxpreps.com poll.
The Globe rankings...records tell only part of the story as scheduling upper echelon competition may produce more losses but valuable experience that pays off during the postseason.
The win advances Melrose to 11-1 and keeps the Lady Raiders undefeated in Middlesex League play.
Last week's wins over lower ranked teams dropped Melrose in the Maxpreps.com poll.
Saturday, October 05, 2013
Game 11: Playoff Berth, Melrose 3 Watertown 0
Melrose hosted Watertown at the MVMMS gym, clinching a playoff berth with ten wins (10-1) with a 3-0 victory (25-11, 25-7, 25-13).
Melrose got off to a sluggish start, tied at 3, before a 12-4 run removed any doubt. A second run of seven points sparked by a Maave Moriarty service run put the set out of reach.
Annalisa DeBari and Meri Lessing both delivered a pair of kills and Maave had a trio of aces.
Set two was all Melrose with an 11-1 start, and a "single column" (scoresheet anomaly) win. Meri had four kills, Annalisa two, Victoria Crovo a pair, and Melrose had twelve. Maave added another five aces.
In the final set, Melrose raced to a 14-3 lead and coasted. Meri had another four kills and Victoria three.
Game Notes: Despite the win, Melrose saw definite improvement from Watertown, that improved in the back row and added height. Melrose was a bit short-handed with Stephanie Crovo, Cassidy Barbaro, and Ashley Harding unavailable yesterday.
Melrose travels to Lexington Monday for a big ML game against one of the league leaders.
Middlesex League standings from Maxpreps.com
Kill leaders.
Serving percentage stats. Note that the team serving percentage continues to rise.
Melrose got off to a sluggish start, tied at 3, before a 12-4 run removed any doubt. A second run of seven points sparked by a Maave Moriarty service run put the set out of reach.
Annalisa DeBari and Meri Lessing both delivered a pair of kills and Maave had a trio of aces.
Set two was all Melrose with an 11-1 start, and a "single column" (scoresheet anomaly) win. Meri had four kills, Annalisa two, Victoria Crovo a pair, and Melrose had twelve. Maave added another five aces.
In the final set, Melrose raced to a 14-3 lead and coasted. Meri had another four kills and Victoria three.
Game Notes: Despite the win, Melrose saw definite improvement from Watertown, that improved in the back row and added height. Melrose was a bit short-handed with Stephanie Crovo, Cassidy Barbaro, and Ashley Harding unavailable yesterday.
Melrose travels to Lexington Monday for a big ML game against one of the league leaders.
Middlesex League standings from Maxpreps.com
Friday, October 04, 2013
Melrose-Watertown Photoessay
Pictures courtesy of Don Norris. Click to see the full frame.
The one word caption challenge...
Ready
Thwack
Twisted
Eyes
The one word caption challenge...
Intimidation
Smile
Elevation
TEAM
Ballet
Thursday, October 03, 2013
Rankings
New Maxpreps rankings
State
D2 - strength of schedule is important in the Maxpreps.com rankings. A loss to a high ranked team may not impact you much and beating low ranked teams doesn't help you. To my knowledge, there is no factor to correct for head-to-head competition. Three of the top four teams are from the central, often the strongest regional group. NDA took Barnstable to five sets if I recall.
Many familiar teams for locals, and the post-season seedings are sometimes disrupted by undefeated teams in leagues that are considered weak.
Many familiar teams for locals, and the post-season seedings are sometimes disrupted by undefeated teams in leagues that are considered weak.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Feed the Positive Dog
Encouragement is the fuel for success. More encouragement, more success. One of my favorite authors, Jon Gordon wrote "The Positive Dog", a narrative about the benefits of positivity in our lives.
Here are a few quotes:
"How we perceive people, events, and situations determines our reality...we live our lives based on our perspective..."
"Positive people are able to maintain a broader perspective and see the big picture, which helps them identify solutions..."
"...abundance flows into your life when gratitude flows out of your heart."
"All of our negativity is rooted in fear."
"We forget that simple is powerful. We forget the powerful impact of a simple smile."
"When you are positive, you not only make yourself better, you make everyone around you better."
The four most powerful words in our life are "I believe in you." When you share them with someone else, you empower them. When you withhold them when they are deserved, you disadvantage others. Be the "positive dog".
Here are a few quotes:
"How we perceive people, events, and situations determines our reality...we live our lives based on our perspective..."
"Positive people are able to maintain a broader perspective and see the big picture, which helps them identify solutions..."
"...abundance flows into your life when gratitude flows out of your heart."
"All of our negativity is rooted in fear."
"We forget that simple is powerful. We forget the powerful impact of a simple smile."
"When you are positive, you not only make yourself better, you make everyone around you better."
The four most powerful words in our life are "I believe in you." When you share them with someone else, you empower them. When you withhold them when they are deserved, you disadvantage others. Be the "positive dog".
Game 10: Halfway Home, Melrose 3 Wakefield 0
Whooah, we're half way there
Livin' on a prayer - Jon Bon Jovi
Melrose reached the halfway mark of the regular season with a 25-8, 25-5, 25-8 win over Wakefield at home. The win gives Melrose a 9-1 record at the turn.
Coming in as an expansion team in a sport isn't easy. You need athletes, infrastructure, and good coaching. Wakefield moved in the right direction with Coach Nicole Trudeau, well-known to be associated with the Athletic Evolution program.
Melrose got off to a slow start with a 6-5 opening set lead before running off a 19-3 sprint to win the set 25-8. Meri Lessing had three kills and Victoria Crovo a pair to highlight the set, which Melrose played service-error free.
The second set was all Melrose as the Lady Raiders led 11-0 and 17-1 along the way. Sophomore Hannah Mulcahy had a mid-set burst of three kills, and both Meri Lessing and Annalisa DeBari had a pair of kills, and Melrose had a solitary service error.
The final set saw an 8-7 lead early and a Melrose 17-1 run to close the frame. Meri Lessing added another three kills and Jill MacInnes delivered three late kills from the front row as she traded in the libero uniform for a red shirt and sneaked into the front row.
Game Notes: The match lacked some flow early as Melrose adjusted to a different style of play from Wakefield. But it also afforded all the healthy Melrose players to see time and gain experience in different game facets, as players who don't ordinarily serve got some experience on the service line and Amanda Cain got time at setter.
An underclass parent noted how great the upperclassmen have been in supporting younger players, reflecting the great culture in the program. That unselfishness demonstrates maturity from the players, successful parenting, and exemplary coaching.
Tuesday, October 01, 2013
Melrose-Central Box Score and More
Melrose-Central box score
Season statistics, attacking
Massachusetts hitting leaders. It appears that only players with complete hitting stats (e.g. total attacks) are included. With 3.6 kills/set, Meri Lessing comes into the top ten in kills/set. Melrose faced the difficult chore of replacing over 900 kills from last season, and has 294 after 9 games.
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