Alumnae News

Hannah Brickley continues her volleyball career at Trinity, which is off to a good start at 5-2. Here's a link to a recent summary.

Another viewpoint

http://melrose.patch.com/articles/lady-raiders-find-success-in-reading

Good summary and snaps.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Short Season

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.

You Gotta Have Heart

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...

Late Returns Coming In

From The Boston Globe

Maxpreps  has stats when updated

Well-Grounded, Melrose 3-0

Melrose remained unbeaten with a 3-0 straight set win over host Reading at Hawkes Fieldhouse.

The win brings Melrose to 4-0, 3-0 Middlesex League. Details as available.

Showdown at the Launch Pad

https://vr.shapeservices.com/play.php?hash=9645a755382cf7c33cec6f2e277f147401ea453912d09dc2f

Melrose travels to Reading for a pivotal battle for Middlesex League supremacy. Reading always puts the bull's eye on the Lady Raiders.


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Recorded on iPhone and posted with VR+ Lite.
http://vr.shapeservices.com

Snaps and a Couple of Chuckles from Bishop Fenwick

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.

Checkmate: Melrose 3-0

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.

Maxpreps Resources

Maxpreps.com has limited statistical information that coaches input. Ergo, the 'leaders' data has to be taken for what it is, incomplete.

Here's the link.

Never Underestimate An Opponent

The Salem News reports on Bishop Fenwick volleyball.  Respect every opponent. Fear none.

hat tip to Dick Collis

More Wizardry from Don Norris

Don Norris sends over some more volleyball candids. Always click the pics to enlarge, because they may reveal more than meets the eye.

Jill is all smiles.
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The old (banner) and the new (Rachel Johnson) link the Melrose volleyball continuum.
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There's simply something magical about the human endeavor in sports.
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Rachael, Sidney, and Sarah in the huddle.
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Cassidy bumps while Maggie looks on.
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Winner, winner chicken dinner. There's something a little "Abbey Road" about this one.

The Boston Globe has their volleyball preview and Melrose won't be sneaking up on anybody. And don't believe that Medfield is rebuilding either.

Lady Raiders Give Burlington a Devil of a Time

Melrose continued its opening season homestand with a 3-0 thrashing of the Burlington Red Devils, 25-7, 25-9, 25-7.  The victory brings Melrose to 2-0, with a pair of challenges ahead, at Bishop Fenwick on Wednesday and at archrival Reading Friday.

Coach Scott Celli shortened his rotation today in preparation to step up the competition.

Melrose got off to a sluggish very early start with some tentative play, trailing 1-2, but quickly stepped on the accelerator to reverse to a 7-2 lead, behind some Brooke Bell service and eight first game kills. The Lady Raiders spread it around with a pair apiece from Captains Athena Ziavras, Jill Slabacheski, and Alyssa DiRaffaele. From 8-5, Melrose went on an twelve point run to cool the devils.

Game two saw Melrose come out fast and play with more consistency, turning a 6-5 lead into a 19-4 finish. Melrose had 13 kills in the frame, including four from sophomore middle Rachel Johnson, three from Jill, and a pair each from Brooke and Athena. Melrose completed the game without a service error.

The final game showcased superior service from Jill, who had five aces in the game, as Melrose raced out to a 13-nil advantage. Burlington fought back to 15-5, but Melrose went on a 10-2 spree, as Melrose never drank the Devil's Kool-Aid. Melrose had only six kills in the stanza because of their nine aces, but Athena had a trio of kills and an ace. Sarah McGowan did some good work in the back row and contributed a pair of aces. Rachael Wolley came off the bench to set well, and freshman Cassidy Barbaro brought the jump serve out of hibernation.

Game Analysis: Melrose appeared more comfortable today, with overall effective play from both the front and the back row. Brooke continues to set 'effortlessly' and Alyssa and Rachel dominated at the net, winning joust after joust. The biggest difference today was the service, with extensive runs by Jill, Athena, and Alyssa as each brought the heat and a variety of service styles.

Linkage

Always click photos to see the entire picture. 

The present links our here and now to the past and the future.  I recall seeing a middle school girl watching volleyball attentively and imagining her chance on the hardwood. That youngster, Hannah Brickley, became the most celebrated volleyballer in Melrose history.

Last season Melrose took a big step forward with a memorable win over the volleyball sports dynasty.

And why not go to a volleyball game soon, because you never know what you might see.

You might not see "doggles", but you'll see some terrific digs, blocks, and spikes.

Even the players are amazed by what they see.
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Parents are generally pleased.
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You'll definitely see battles at the net.
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And blocks...
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And for the mathematically inclined...you'll see Fibonacci numbers, like 8 (Jill)
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And 13 (Sarah)...

So come out and support your team. As Yogi would say, "you can see a lot by just watching."

Snaps

Always click photos to see the full photo. More pics from Don Norris!

Cassidy looks skyward.
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Sarah loads one up.
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Rachael is the picture of concentration.
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It's a lot easier to be a volleyball parent AFTER your children have finished their careers.
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Maggie styling with the scarlet and white headband
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Jill and Alyssa spend a lot of time on the volleyball (and basketball) court together. The success of the basketball and volleyball teams work together as the student-athletes get regular chances to play under the bright lights.

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

Always click photos for full view. 

If one word sums up the core of Melrose volleyball, that word would be FUN. The coaches make practice enjoyable and the players respond by playing hard all the time.

Who's the architect? Yeah, you.
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And the young lionesses will ROAR...Maggie Moriarty on the left and Sarah McGowan celebrate.
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Jill Slabacheski models the new long-sleeve uniforms...kinda looks rolled up...
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Amanda Commito is chomping at the bit waiting to get clearance to practice.
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Outside hitter Sidney Doherty gets ready for a return.
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Jen Cain started at the opposite position on opening day.
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The defense never rests. Here you seen Rachel Johnson (foreground), Athena Ziavras, and Jen preparing for serve-receive.  I think the defense will improve as they get used to the new sleeves.
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Maggie Moriarty will compete for time as a defensive specialist. Literary buffs might consider another moniker.

The team will be back in action Monday against Burlington.

Perfect Practice Makes Perfect

Melrose will be back in action at HOME Monday as they entertain Burlington. Burlington-Melrose games haven't produced a lot of highlights, perhaps excepting a couple of surprising blocks in the 2005 year when Melrose girls blocked Burlington BOYS who were playing on their first team.

Actually, for the most part, the defensive coverage against Belmont was good. Considering it was the first game, the passing received a 'passing' grade. Serve receive improved after a slow start, and blocking was hard to assess given Belmont's limited hitting opportunities.  One area for improvement was clearly service errors, with a peak at five in the second game. "Experience is the best teacher, but sometimes the tuition is high."

Scott Celli had to be pleased with Brooke Bell's 22 assist performance, although Lefty doesn't appear thrilled here.

Jill Slabachesky had her 'A' game yesterday.
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Freshman defensive specialist Cassidy Barbaro is a key contributor in the back row.  With a little luck and a lot of skill , maybe in four years she'll eclipse the current record for most playoff game appearances, 15.

Home Opener: Melrose 3-0. No Pirate Treasure

A new season, new uniforms, and a lot of new players, but the results haven't changed. Melrose performed a workman-like performance against an overmatched Belmont squad, coming away with a 3-0 victory.

Maggie Moriarty (9) prepares a toss during pre-game warmups. Note the long-sleeved jerseys.

Coach Scott Celli sent out a lineup of Athena Ziavras, Jill Slabacheski, Alyssa DiRaffaele, Brooke Bell, Jen Cain, and Rachel Johnson as his initial rotation.

Defensive specialist Amanda Commito opens the season on the DL, along with outside hitter Brittany Adelman.

Belmont got out to an early 3-0 lead as a couple of mis-hit balls (possibly related to new uniform adjustment) got the Lady Raiders off to an early deficit. But they quickly restored order, with Rachel Johnson breaking out the inaugural kill of the 2010 campaign.

After a slow start, game tied at 6, Melrose ran off an eleven point run to put the game out of reach. For the game, Melrose pounded out (unofficially) 13 kills, and only one service error, winning the opener 25-11. Athena Ziavras had 5 kills and Rachel Johnson 3 to set the pace.  Sophomore Sarah McGowan and freshman Cassidy Barbaro both made their varsity debuts in the game.

Game two saw Melrose jump out early with 4-0, 9-1, and 14-2 as they put the hammer down. Athena added another 4 kills, while Jill Slabacheski provided a pair and excellent overall defense. For the game, Melrose had another dozen kills, but unfortunately 5 service errors in the 25-9 rout. Rachael Wolley, Sidney Doherty, and Maggie Moriarty also debuted on the varsity maple.

The third game saw a lot of lineup transitions and some inconsistency in the steamy Middle School gym. Jill had five kills while playing great overall volleyball throughout. Melrose led 10-8 but was never threatened, running off seven consecutive points to sink the Jolly Roger. Sarah McGowan looked particularly strong in the third game, which Melrose captured 25-13.

Game analysis: Both teams can draw a pass for some opening game butterflies, but I believe that the inability to practice in the new long-sleeved uniforms (which arrived last night) was a factor. As the players adjusted, the passing game improved. Athena and Jill both showed solid all-around games, and Jill and Alyssa passed particularly well. Brooke Bell stepped in as the floor general without skipping a beat, as Lefty moved 'effortlessly' while setting the front. And, as expected, sophomore Rachel Johnson showed instinctive blocking skills to clog up the middle.  Melrose will rely on her to be the kryptonite for the opposition's middle attack.

Numerous spectators commented on the team's athleticism and quickness to the ball, which will be the team's calling card.

Top Ten Reasons to Watch

Coaches Celli and Walsh and the team were hard at work on coverages today, as well as working on situational volleyball.

A new season beckons, from A to Z. Speaking of A to Z, Melrose has one senior, Athena Ziavras.

And yes, there's another change in the schedule, as Monday's game will be a home contest instead of a road tilt.  Coach Celli had to drop participation in the Holyoke volleyball tournament as some of the players had other academic commitments.

So, tomorrow at four o'clock, the ball goes up on the 2010 season. And here are ten of the top reasons to watch this years team.

• 10  Youth will be served. More than half the roster is composed of sophomores and freshmen.
• 9  The team has new uniforms, revealed tomorrow. What will they look like?
• 8  This team looks to be the most 'athletic' Melrose volleyball team, top to bottom, ever.
• 7  The season has an attractive non-league schedule, including Northern power Central Catholic and Southern elite, Canton...
• 6  Find out who replaces the 550 kills from Hannah Brickley, Laura Irwin, and Siena Mamayek.
• 5  Combination special. Watch the young team develop with depth at all positions. 
• 4  Block off the old 'chip'.  The Lady Raiders have some veterans at the net (Jill Slabacheski, Alyssa DiRaffaele) but they've got some "new kids on the block", especially Rachel Johnson, Sarah McGowan, and Jen Cain who have 'ups'. Expect the "Roof" cheer...often.
• 3  "Do the math." Melrose has superior coaching.

 And, they never age.

• 2  Full tilt, full time. These athletes play hard every play, every day, to the whistle.
• 1  Taking care of business. Excellent process will result in outstanding performance.

Support the girls in 2010 as you have each year. 

One Day to Go

Coaches Celli and Wall will have the ladies ready for the home opener tomorrow, where Version 2010.1 will put their skills on display.


The key to success will always be having a good process: planning, preparation, progress, performance.

• Consistency in the serve-receive making the initial pass
• Communication. No balls hit the floor.
• Execution...bump, set, spike. 

The difference between excellence and a championship just means doing the little things better.



The sequence at 7:30 is particularly enlightening.