THE MELROSE High girls’ volleyball team remains unbeaten in the Freedom League and 8-1 overall as midseason approaches. Pictured in back row are seniors Caroline Higonenq, Leah Fowke, Maggie Turner and GG Albuja. (photo by Raj Das edphotos.com)
8-1 Melrose is sweeping Freedom League
Published September 27, 2024
MELROSE—But for a blip on the schedule against a tough Winchester, the Melrose High girls volleyball team is enjoying a near flawless season as they approach mid season and have swept their last three opponents in perfect sets to improve to 8-1.
Melrose swept Wilmington, Stoneham and Watertown this week with a tough Westborough coming to town this coming Tuesday.
Melrose’s most recent win came against Watertown at home on Tuesday, a 3-0 victory in sets of 25-10, 25-11, and 25-6.
The start of the game saw senior captain GG Albuja open with a tremendous serving streak and a slew of service points and aces, lifting Melrose to an early 10-3 lead. She was aided by kills from Sabine Wenzel, Caroline Higonenq and Maggie Shoemaker. Leah Fowke would also have another strong service run with two aces to increase that lead to 16-5. Wenzel, Abby Dennison and Shoemaker would contribute with more kills to wrap the set up easily for Melrose. In set two, Melrose benefitted from great serving by freshman Elise Marchais, Leah Fowke and a strong Ava Perrotti who helped Melrose take a commanding 20-8 lead with three aces. Abby Dennison and newcomer Ella Friedlaender had kills to take Watertown out of the set, 25-11. In set three, Melrose completely closed the door on the Raiders with a great service run by libero Maggie Turner and Anna Burns and some excellent kills from new hitters Adele Ackland, Ella Friedlaender, Maggie Shoemaker and vet Ava Perrotti. Elise Marchais wowed with a back row dig turned kill near the end of the set. Serving flawless that evening were Milania Noessel, Ava Perrotti, Alex Homan and GG Albuja.
In previous efforts, Melrose beat Wilmington on Sept. 18 in a 3-0 sweep with kills coming from Sabine Wenzel and Caroline Higonenq, and then Stoneham on Sept. 20, in another 3-0 victory behind kills from Wenzel, Higonenq, Maggie Shoemaker and Emme Boyer.
Melrose has enjoyed using a wide bench in recent efforts but will have to dial it in during upcoming play when they take on tough opponents Lexington (Thursday, post deadline) and reigning state champion Westborough, a team that has thwarted their attempts at state finals in recent seasons. Fans won’t want to miss their home game on Tuesday at the MVMMS gym when the Rangers come to town for a 6:00 p.m. contest.
