State finalists want another shot at title
Published in the August 31, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE— One year after nearly clinching a state championship by one set, the Div. 2 State finalist Melrose volleyball team returns loaded with talent that positions them to be as competitive as last year, when they powered their way to a Div. 2 State Final, and were excruciatingly close to bringing home a title. Melrose ultimately fell to Westboro, 3-2 after taking a 2-0 set lead.
There may be a sense of unfinished business for Melrose. Head coach Scott Celli recently said of that game, “Even though we were up 2-0, it never felt that we had the game put away. You always have to keep momentum in every set, and that’s not something we could do after set three. But I think we can use that experience as motivation.”
It’s a new season and Melrose is looking forward, not backward. The Lady Raiders return nine players, including five starters; among them incoming tri-captains: Nicole Abbott, Erin Torpey and Emma Randolph. They’re a trio who have been with Melrose coach Scott Celli since freshmen year. While Melrose has graduated their Div. 2 Player of the Year Lily Fitzgerald, libero Jill Mercer and power hitters Lydia Lombardo and Saoirse Connolly, they have found skilled players to fill the positions.
Melrose is by no means lacking depth. In some positions, they are three players deep. “There are really no weak spots,” says the coach. “Nothing is set in stone; we have multiple players vying for a position.”
DIV. 2 FINALIST Melrose Lady Raider volleyball returns ready to earn more hardware in 2018. (file photo)
Thirteen athletes make up the roster, including their aforementioned captains, and returning players Claire Albuja, Caroline Kiernan, Emily Hudson, Grace Davis, Marie Maher, Mary Kate Mahoney and Sam Dewey. Newcomers include Leah Heafey, Autumn Whelan and Sofia Centrella. The team consists of seven juniors, five sophomores and a freshmen.
And while nothing is indeed set in stone, one thing is a given: expect their junior captains to lead on the floor. Melrose returns with power hitter Emma Randolph, who had a team-high 279 kills last year. “She’s going to be a focal point on the team,” says Celli. “She’s obviously a good hitter and has worked hard on the off season. So, we expect big things.”
She will be aided by co-captain Erin Torpey, an outside hitter who has plenty of playoff experience. “I also expect a big season from Erin,” says Celli. “She plays volleyball during the off season, so she will spend plenty of time on the floor.”
Captain Nicole Abbott was also a large part of the team’s success last season. The defensive specialist could see time at libero duty and will be counted on bringing her experience to the floor. “We’re counting on her defense, but also she brought such strong serving last year.”
Sophomore hitter Emily Hudson has also grown during the offseason. “She has really picked up her game,” confirms her coach. Returning hitters Claire Albuja, Grace Davis and Sam Dewey will keep the Middlesex League on notice while newcomers Leah Healy and Sofia Centrella have the potential for outside hitting and back row work.
Middle hitting will be a piece of cake with a trio (Hudson, Randolph, Dewey) who are all over 5’11. “Our height in the middle is not a problem,” quips Celli.
In replacing their libero, Melrose will have three options, at least: junior captain Nicole Abbott, junior Mary Kate Mahoney and junior Marie Maher. The defensive specialists will be counted on keeping Melrose’s back row crisp.
Look for sophomore Caroline Kiernan to help take the reigns in setting duty. “She knows how we run our offense,” says Celli who is equally excited about freshmen Autumn Whelan, a setter who he calls “rock solid.”
Overall, this is a thirteen-strong unit he feels confident about.
“I like the chemistry of this season,” says the coach. “This is a tight-knit group that has played together for a while.”
This weekend Melrose will host the Middlesex Playdate on Sunday from 9:00-3:00. The round robin scrimmage showcase will feature Melrose against some the best north teams including Winchester, Arlington Catholic, Bishop Fenwick, Danvers and Marblehead. The team encourages fans to come take a sneak peak of what may be a Div. 2 North Final preview.
Melrose opens their season on Sept. 5 on the road in Lexington at 5:00 p.m. Their home opener is Friday, Sept. 7 at 5:00 p.m. against Arlington.
“When it’s early, it’s natural to make mistakes,” says Celli. “But with hard work and focus we will be a force to be reckoned with.”
