13-1 Melrose firing on all cylinders, undefeated in ML
By JENNIFER GENTILE
SENIOR CAPTAIN Meri Lessing leads the Lady Raiders in kills this season with 102, as the 13-1 Melrose volleyball team prepares for its homestretch undefeated in the Middlesex League. (Donna Larsson photo)
MELROSE — The Melrose Lady Raider volleyball team continues to enjoy a near-perfect season as they pass the midway point of the season poised to take another Middlesex League crown. They remain undefeated in Middlesex League, after beating a tough Lexington squad on Monday at the Melrose Middle School gym, in a 3-1 victory in sets of 25-17, 25-17, 22-25 and 25-19. The win improves Melrose to 13-1 overall and 10-0 in the league.
Melrose senior captain Meri Lessing and junior Hannah Mulcahey took care of Lexington in the first set, piling on three kills each while sophomore Victoria Crovo scored two. Lexington made it a game in the next set, taking a 13-9 lead before Melrose fought to a 20-15 lead thanks to kills from Lessing (4) and Victoria Crovo (3). Allie Nolan delivered a trey of kills while Marissa Cataldo and Hannah Mulcahey chipped with with two to help earn the set win. Lexington took set three in a 25-22 win but Melrose finished the job in set four, taking leads of 9-7 and 15-10 before an eventual 25-19 victory. Lessing delivered with six kills during the set and Victoria Crovo three.
Melrose secured an easier victory when they traveled to Watertown on Friday, Oct. 3 in a 3-0 win in sets of 25-11, 25-14, 25-14. The game was an opportunity for Melrose to make use of reserves, with a number of underclassman stepping up for duty. Bella Federico and Caroline Nolan had three kills a piece while Meagan Leyne led on offense with an impressive 12 kills. Senior Stephanie Crovo punched in 10 kills over the night, followed by Victoria Crovo with 4. Lily Fitzgerald saw time as setter, tallying 21 assists.
With their recent wins Melrose moves up in polls, with the Boston Globe ranking Melrose #4 in the state among all divisions. Melrose has backed that ranking up with outstanding performances from their starters who are close to leading their division. Senior captain Meri Lessing has 102 kills this season, junior Hannah Mulcahey has 85 and sophomore Victoria Crovo has 83. Senior captain Allie Nolan has a huge 289 assists this year plus 32 kills while Amanda Cain has been rock-steady as libero with 198 digs.
On Friday, Melrose travels to Woburn for a 5:30 showdown before hosting Watertown on Tuesday night at the Melrose Middle School gym for a 5:30 contest. Westborough (9-1) looms on the horizon, a major home contest and regular season finale. The Oct. 27 contest will be the team’s toughest competition since Notre Dame of Hingham.
Remaining regular season schedule
10/10 @ Woburn, 5:30
10/14 vs. Watertown, 5:30
10/15 @ Stoneham, 4
10/20 @ Arlington Catholic, 6
10/22 @ Burlington, 4
10/24 vs. Wakefield, 5:30
10/27 vs. Westborough, 6:30
