Update post publication:
#6 Melrose defeats #27 Scituate 3-0 (Nov. 3) hosts #11 Billerica in the Round of 16 on Wednesday.
To view the MIAA Volleyball Division 2 bracket, visit www.miaa.net.
Published November 3, 2023
#6 seed Melrose hosts playoff opener
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ volleyball team is ready to take flight as they open their Div. 2 playoffs this evening, Friday, Nov. 3, at a 6:00 p.m. at home game against the winner of No. 27 Scituate and No. 38 South Community (who were playing Wednesday, post deadline).
Melrose drew the #6 spot in the Div. 2 field with a fantastic 17-3 regular season record against brutally tough competition.
The Div. 2 bracket released on Monday looks a bit familiar. No. 1 Westborough, by luck, has fallen on the other side of the bracket, meaning Melrose would not have to face the mega talented Rangers (who beat Melrose earlier this season) until a state final game. Melrose was rewarded with a high seed thanks to a very strong strength of schedule. Not many would put two state champions on their schedule just for fun, or to be specific, for preparation for what will be a tough post season in Div. 2. Melrose’s only losses this season were against current state champs (Westborough, Newton North) and a stronger than usual Belmont. And they’d like to earn another D2 Final Four trophy by securing their 11th sectional title.
“We are on the better side of the bracket and need to stay consistent and focused,” says Melrose head coach Scott Celli. “If we remain healthy and get some luck along the way, we have a chance [to earn another trophy]”
Melrose had a regular season finale on Friday, Oct. 27 when they traveled to reigning state champ Newton North to face an unbeaten Tigers. Melrose fell in sets of 25-17, 25-15 and 25-18, which wasn’t exactly unexpected. But it was evident they could have taken a set.
“I thought that our compete level was very good. We played with a high energy and purpose,” said Celli of the effort. “We will need both of these things to be successful in the tournament.”
Newton North got of to a fast start in set one but Melrose had some quality hitting from Sabine Wenzel, who led for Melrose with 7 kills, along with hitting from Manon Marchais. In set two, Sadie Jaggers had some critical kills and Marchais had some cross court ones that kept Melrose in the game at 14-16, but the Tigers served up too many fig newtons to keep Melrose off balance. Melrose’s back row was tested in the third set, with libero Grace Gentile keeping up with Newton North firepower, but Melrose required more blocking and hitting to tame the Tigers.
“We really need to improve on our overall blocking as a team, to limit the number of attacked balls to the back row,” coach Celli noted after the game. “Also, reducing service errors will be crucial as well.”
Despite the loss, it’s that high competitive exposure from Newton North and Westborough that will prepare Melrose for teams deeper in the tournament, should they get there. Says the coach, “In those losses, we learned a lot about ourselves, where we need to improve. Plus, playing at a higher level and at a faster pace will definitely prepare us for a deep run in the tournament.”
Melrose also played Stoneham to finish their local schedule on Oct. 25. It was a big night for Sadie Jaggers who had 17 kills, while Leah Fowke had 24 assists. Libero Grace Gentile served up 13 service points.
This trio has been key to the team’s winning in 2023. The captains in three specialty positions are among the divisions best. Setter Leah Fowke recently earned her 500th career assist. Sadie Jagger recently reached 500 career kills, and Grace Gentile has surpassed 300 career digs, 400 serve receives and is approaching 300 single-season digs.
Coach Celli tips his hat his captains. “The three captains have been phenomenal. Their leadership on and off the court has been second to none,” he says. “The team has been so competitive because the group relies on the leadership that they bring every day. When your captains play and lead at a high level, then the rest of the team will follow. That is why we can be so competitive.”
At 17-3, Melrose is prepared to host up to two home games within the week. And their playoff path looks familiar. Should Melrose get past the winner of Scituate/So. Community, they will likely No. 11 Billerica (16-5), a team they’re all too familiar with in post season. Beyond that, they might align with Canton in order to get back to the Final Four, a feat they’ve accomplished two years in a row.
Coach Celli considers one effort over the season that has stood out.
“I really think that the Burlington win at home was our most complete win of the year. We played a clean match, only missed 4 serves, serve receive was flawless, and our hitters did their jobs by hitting at a high efficiency. When we do those things well, we’re a tough team to beat.”
And two hitters back in the lineup could help give Melrose an offensive edge. The long awaited return of injured Caroline Higonenq has arrived, plus having Sofia Papatsoris back on the court, all bodes well.
“We will be playoff ready!” says Celli. “Sofia looks like she is back to 100%. Caroline should be ready to go without limitations by Thursday. So, having a healthy team is a key to winning in the tournament.”
First round action starts this Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. at the MVMMS gym. A second round game should take place within days, likely Monday or Tuesday. Fans are encouraged to visit our social media pages and miaa.net for up to date game information.