Coming off a 13-7 regular season finish, a Central Catholic League title and wins over Winchester, Boston English and Stoneham in the state tourney, the Bishop Fenwick volleyball team had all the momentum it needed going into the Division 2 North final contest against Melrose this past Saturday night at Lawerence High School.
The No. 3 seeded Red Raiders, however, came out fighting right away and before Fenwick could regain composure the match was already over. Melrose beat the Crusaders in three consecutive games: 25-18, 25-16, 25-20 and for the second year in a row Fenwick watched as Melrose celebrated with the Division 2 North trophy.
"Melrose is the real deal," said Bishop Fenwick coach Adam DeBaggis, whose team was the seeded eighth overall. "They're just good all around."
Sophomore middle hitter Kate Lipka finished the game with six blocks, Jen Corvo had 11 digs and Gianna Pizzano tallied seven kills and five aces for the Crusaders.
"We could have played with more intensity," added DeBaggis. "We played good, but not good enough and before we knew it we couldn't catch up."
— Gianna Addario



