THE MELROSE High girls’ volleyball team is off to a 5-1 start following two wins over league rivals Burlington and Wakefield. (photo by Raj Das edphotos.com)

 

 

 

After press time:
Melrose defeats Stoneham 3-0 (Sept. 20)
Melrose defeats Wilmington 3-0 (Sept. 18)

 

 

Published September 20, 2024

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose High girls volleyball team took two wins in a row this week, keys victories over two Freedom rivals who always challenge Melrose. At 5-1, Melrose will continue Freedom play this week as they look to keep a winning streak going.

Melrose swept both Wakefield and Burlington this week, two opponents who have given Melrose a run for their money in recent seasons. Wakefield was considered a must-win as they nearly beat Melrose in 2023 with a 5-set game that Melrose eventually took. This year, the Warriors posed maybe less of a threat, but Melrose also played some of their sharpest volleyball of the season in set wins of 25-12, 25-14, 25-16.

Melrose attackers rose to the occasion with junior Sabine Wenzel leading with 13 kills and Caroline Higonenq launching 10. Setter Leah Fowke had an impressive 19 assists.

Serving was key for Melrose with players such as Gg Albuja and Alex Homan coming up big on the line for Melrose. Caroline Higonenq was particularly tough in the back row for Melrose with 15 serve receipts and 9 digs. Libero Maggie Turner manned defense with 7 digs. Sofia Papatsoris, Emme Boyer, and Abby Dennison were also tough up front with blocking.

“Our serve and serve receive was the best that it has been all year,” said head coach Scott Celli after the game. “We controlled the net for the entire match as well. Wakefield is very good. We just did a few things better. But, they will be a force to reckon with come tournament time.”

Just days later, Melrose hosted Freedom Rival Burlington (3-3) on Monday and had a pretty convincing win in sets of 25-18, 25-12 and 25-16. Wenzel led with 13 kills and Higonenq had 10 kills and 9 digs in the game. Leah Fowke had another strong game with 22 assists.

Despite an early Burlington lead in set one Melrose fought back to take the win. Improved blocking helped steady the defense anchored by Maggie Turner and Gg Albuja.

Coach Celli was only complimentary towards the always-competitive Red Devils. “They are still really good playing without Grace [Seaborn]. We just had more players playing well on Monday. I expect them to be one of the top teams around by seasons end.”

Melrose experienced their first loss on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Winchester High when they fell to the Red and Black, 3-1, in sets of 25-20, 26-24, 25-20, and 25-17. Winchester appeared stronger this fall than in recent seasons. “They were better than good. They have three solid hitters and we struggled to block them,” coach Celli noted. “That was the difference in the match.”

That said he pointed to Wenzel and Higonenq has having “great games.”

Statistically, Melrose has some standout players in the division. One is their senior setter Leah Fowke, who is #1 in Div. 2 for assists. “Leah has been our most consistent player,” says Celli. “Her ability to block as a setter has been a huge asset.”

Outside hitter Sabine Wenzel, meanwhile, leads the league in kills, making her presence felt on the court. “Sabine has really come into her own over the past few matches,” says Celli. “She leads the team in kills. When she is ‘engaged’, we are a different team up front.”

Caroline Higonenq is not only tallying double digit kills, she’s a threat in the back row too. Says her coach, “Caroline brings overall consistency. She is a 6 rotation player, and really has filled the void on our outside.”

He also points to one of the true strengths of the team: its defense. “Our back row of Maggie Turner and Gg Albuja have done a great job in serve receive,” says Celli.

As Melrose prepares to turn to the page into October, some heavy hitters are on the schedule (Duxbury, Westboro), Celli spoke of preparing to battle increased competition. “Well, defending against the outside attack is our biggest priority. Teams like Duxbury, Westboro, and Newton North rely heavily on it.”

Melrose will next travel to Stoneham on Friday evening at 5:30 p.m. before hosting Watertown at the same time on Tuesday.