Melrose girls wants another title this spring
Published March 5, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Middlesex League champion Melrose High girls volleyball team begins their Fall2 season with a season-opener against Stoneham at home on Saturday, March 6 at the Melrose Middle School gym. With spectator limitations in place, fans can catch their games courtesy of Melrose High TV.
Things are different in the world of high school sports, and while coach Scott Celli’s team won’t be given a chance to vie for a Div. 2 North or state title this season, they will get to battle for league supremacy. Melrose will compete in ten games against Freedom League opponents in consecutive contests taking place from March 6 to April 20. That will culminate in a Middlesex League playoff week to finish the season, which follows the model designed for high school basketball this winter.
First order of business will be securing a win against Stoneham starting Saturday afternoon at home. Fans can watch at YouTube.com/MelroseHighTV.
Melrose volleyball is among the school’s most winningest programs (1 state title, 8 Sectional titles, 4 appearances at States) and this season Melrose isn’t going to let COVID-19 stop them from continuing their winning tradition.
They come equipped with some powerful returning players who will keep this Red Raider team in the win column. Leading the team as captains are senior Emily Hudson, junior Autumn Whelan and sophomore Chloe Gentile. This is a trio who coach Scott Celli believes can steer the ship in the right direction. “They all bring something unique to the floor in offense and defense,” he says.
Emily Hudson is the team’s senior middle hitter who packs a powerful punch. Last year she had 149 kills for Melrose. Says Celli, “Emily has been with us as a freshman and is a big time hitter and blocker for us. In fact, one of the best blockers in the league.”
Autumn Whelan came up big defensively for Melrose in playoffs last year, which earned her the libero spot this season. “Autumn started as a freshman setter and has the makings of being the best libero in the league. Nothing phases her, and she doesn’t get rattled. She’s a player that won’t leave the floor often.”
Sophomore middle hitter Chloe Gentile earned the rare distinction of being named captain after her freshman year when she led the Middlesex League in freshmen scoring with 113 kills. Thanks to years of club training, her volleyball IQ shows. “Chloe sets the tone and people follow her direction,” says Celli. “She players older than her years and leads the team as a senior would. She brings great energy and excitement to the game.”
Watch out for junior Elena Soukos, another high-level club player who is a vicious attacker with a potent serve. Says Celli, “Elena is also a player who comes with big game experience and is one of the better outside hitters in the league. She’s a player I want to keep out on the floor.”
Other returning vets include seniors Sofia Centrella and Grace Sanderson. “Grace is a player I can utilize strategically,” says Celli. “She has great height and I expect big things in the middle and right side. I also expect big things from Sofia who is looking good on defense. She’s a tough and athletic girl and we love to see that on the court.”
The ball is in good hands thanks to the quality work of returning setter Eva Haralabatos, a senior who had a big year as a setter last season. She was 8th in the state with 620 assists. Hard to top that. Says Celli, “Eva is a real accomplished setter. She’s got great hands and keeps her cool out there.”
Abby Hudson is another returning player who will be getting time. She is one more hard-hitting Hudson on a team that has two pair of sisters (Abby & Emily Hudson, and Chloe & Grace Gentile.) The future is certainly bright for this Hudson. “Abby is definitely getting time. She has a heavy ball—she just takes the air out of the thing. Abby compliments Elena [Soukos] well out there.”
A lot of new faces decorate the roster this year. Joining the team as first year varsity players are junior Ava Burns, sophomores Emma Desmond, Ava McSorley and Gia Vlajkovic and freshmen Grace Gentile and Sadie Jaggers. Expect to see Desmond assist Haralabatos in setting duties, McSorley and Gentile to serve on defense and Burns, Vlajkovic and Jaggers to lend help in hitting, although all roles remain fluid, Celli stresses. “Overall, we have a perfectly balanced roster of upperclassmen and newcomers. We filled our needs with this roster. We definitely had to focus on adding defense—we want that to be a strength for us this year.”
Melrose may have lost one of the best hitters in the state last season in Emma Randolph, but they return with some certified hammers on offense that will make Melrose an automatic favorite going to the season. Joining Celli as coaches is Ryan Schmitt and new coach Lydia Mays who will coach the equally-talented sub varsity teams.
Meanwhile, the league champs are ready to get underway no matter what season they are playing in. “During any other season, on paper at least, this team has the ability to make a run in the state tourney,” says Celli. “There aren’t really any obvious weaknesses. Returning with a setter, libero and multiple hitters gives us an advantage. That said, we’ve got new ingredients and have to carve out an identity.”
Look for teams like Burlington and Wakefield to keep Melrose on their toes this season, with Burlington probably the stiffest challenger. In the meantime, with COVID-19 a reality, the most vital thing will be to stay healthy and play the game under new guidelines and modifications. “It’s one game at a time,” says Celli. “We take no team for granted.”
Full season schedule
Sat. Mar 6
12:00 PM v. Stoneham (home)
watch at https://www.youtube.com/user/melrosehightv
Sat. Mar 13
12:00 PM @ Stoneham High
Sat. Mar 20
12:00 @ Watertown High
Sat. Mar 27
12:00 v Watertown (home)
Tues. Mar 30
5:30 PM v. Wilmington (home)
Sat. Apr 3
12:00 PM @ Wilmington High
Tues. Apr 6
4:00 PM @ Burlington
Sat. Apr 10
12:00 PM v. Burlington (home)
Tues. Apr 13
5:30 PM v. Wakefield (home)
Sat. Apr 17
12:00 PM @ Wakefield
Week of April 20 – potential ML tourney games.
