Post-publication: Melrose falls to Burlington 3-1 (Sept. 11)
Volleyball team off to a quick 2-1 start
Wins over Belmont & Wakefield highlight week
(published September 12, 2025)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ volleyball team has started their season off with some unpredictable Middlesex League games and a solid 2-1 record in their early season, following two straight wins and their first loss of the year against a tough Reading squad at home on Tuesday, 3-1.
Melrose previously started 2-0 following a 3-0 sweep at home over Wakefield and a wild 3-2 comeback win over Belmont in their opening night road game.
Much of that work has come on the hands of senior captain Sabine Wenzel, a hitter who had a staggering 30 kills against Belmont, another 22 against Wakefield and 22 against Reading on Tuesday. Her early stats have her on par to lead divisions in categories this season and will certainly be key to Melrose wins.
Against the Rockets, Melrose fell in sets of 25-20, 12-25, 15-25, and 22-25. Despite a sluggish start to the first set—Melrose was down 9-3—they rallied at point ten, tying it up on kills from Wenzel and aces and service points from Melrose’s Danielle DiGiorgio. With Wenzel firing away (8 kills in the set) Melrose topped the Rockets with work from Alisa Dautovic and Maggie Shoemaker with kills that finished the job 25-20, Melrose win. Reading responded in set two and showed their teeth, led by a two prong offensive attack by their outside/right side hitters, who challenged Melrose’s back row in sets two and three, despite nice attacks from Melrose hitters Wenzel and Maggie Shoemaker. Melrose took the loss 25-13. Melrose was off its game in set three, allowing Reading to take a 2-1 game edge. But Melrose battled back in set 4, which saw the two teams switch tying points early in the set. Melrose took several leads in the 4th behind hitting from Adriana Santoriello, who was also excellent on the service line, and more smashes from Sabine Wenzel, who greatly challenged the Rockets back row. Despite ties at 20 and 21, Melrose struggled to contain Reading’s heavy outside hitting and lost the match and game, 25-22.
Overall, youth is serving Melrose well in their first week. New starters are making their marks, which include Melrose setter Sadie Smith had a season high 37 assists against Belmont (63 total this season) and a great debut from freshmen libero Daniella DiGiorgio who had a big 22 digs against Belmont in their season opener (55 total this season) and some shining moments on the service line.
Melrose looks to rebound when they travel to Burlington on Sept. 10 (post deadline) and will host a very tough Winchester at home on Monday at 4:15.