Nearly all teams poised to compete in fall playoffs

ONE TEAM who would love to get into the MIAA Div. 2 playoffs for the first time in several years is the MHS field hockey team, currently slated #32 an in position to punch a ticket. (Jennifer Gentile photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—It doesn’t happen every year, but the forecast looks strong that nearly ever varsity team sport at Melrose High will be competing in the MIAA playoff field. At press time, Melrose was slated to send volleyball, boys soccer, girls soccer, field hockey and football into the MIAA playoffs in their respective divisions, with brackets due to be released by the weekend. 

In all teams but football, the top 33 ranked teams qualify for a post season regardless of record (not applicable to sports such as golf, swim or cross country). 

In football, the top 16 teams from each division move on regardless of record. 

Here is where the teams stand:

Team Record Power Rankings

*Volleyball 17-3 No. 10 Div. 2

Football 3-4 No. 15 Div. 4

Boy’s Soccer 7-8-3 No. 29 Div. 2

*Girls Soccer 8-8-2 No. 30 Div. 2

Field Hockey 3-10-3 No. 32 Div. 2

*assured

Any movement of these Power Rankings would be for games held after press time (Wednesday) which includes football, who hosts 0-7 Wilmington this Friday evening at Fred Green Field. A win would clinch a spot solidly. Historically, major movement seldom happens between the time of last rankings posted by the MIAA and their official bracket release, making some of these teams about 90% certain of a post season. 

Should field hockey team get in it could be their first time in close to a decade that the team has competed in MIAA playoffs (unofficially).

Fans are encouraged to visit our social media pages and the MIAA website at www.miaa.net for up to date playoff information.