THE MELROSE High girls’ volleyball team is primed for playoffs, which are expected to open as early as this weekend. (photos by Raj Das, edphotos.com)

 

 

After press time:
Melrose #10 sweeps Somerset Berkley 3-0 (Nov. 1) advances to the sweet 16 in Div. 2 State Tournament
To view the latest bracket information, tap here.

 

 

Published November 1, 2024

17-3 Melrose is ready to launch deep tourney run

By JENNIFER GENTILE 

MELROSE— On the eve of the MIAA Div. 2 playoffs, the league champion Melrose High varsity volleyball team is sitting nicely as they await a probable home game in the first week of post-season play which is expected as early as this weekend. 

At 17-3 overall, Melrose’s only three losses of the seasons have come at the hands of two of the best teams in the state: two time reigning state champs (Newton North and Westborough) and 18-2 Winchester. 

Newton North came to Melrose on Friday Oct. 25 in a well- attended event and Melrose faced a giant battle against in the Tigers, long rivals of Melrose who are a staple on the team’s schedule. Newton North coincidentally is the only loss on Westborough’s schedule this fall. 

Melrose came into the game down a key player with an injury to a key hitter, Caroline Higonenq, who is out with a concussion sustained on Senior Night, with a return to season unknown. 

That required a rotation shakeup for Melrose coach Scott Celli, who utilized versatile senior captain Leah Fowke to step away from her setting position and help out as outside hitter. And it was a smart one as the new hitter racked up 6 kills in her hitting role. In her place was Alex Homan as setter who had 19 assists. Gg Albuja had 15 serve receipts in the game. 

Melrose fought hard, and competitive, but ultimately fell in sets of 25-20, 25-17 and 25-15. 

They fared much better against Watertown last Thursday on the road and it was a great chance for rotation additions, which included jv call up Sadie Smith. Melrose won easily in sets of 25-4, 25-15 and 25-14. 

Leading in kills were Leah Fowke, Abby Dennison and Ella Friedlander, with 4 kills each. It was a solid day on offense and serving with Maggie Turner who enjoyed 22 serving points and Leah Fowke who had 15. Turner also led with 11 digs and 8 serve receipts and Maggie Shoemaker and Anna Burns tallied 8 and 6 serve receipts, respectively. 

Melrose will need all hands on deck when they launch their playoff journey. They may play a 23-24 seed at home to open their tournament, but at press time, brackets were not released. 

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