BILLERICA, Mass - The Division 2 state semifinals came down to two teams that had only one loss between them. The undefeated Canton Bulldogs, winners of the Central sectional, traveled to Billerica High to take on the North champions, Melrose.
In a cramped, packed gym that echoed from the cacophony of both student sections, Melrose handed Canton its first loss of the year in a commanding 3-0 (25-16, 25-21, 25-18) victory.
Following the match, Canton head coach Pat Cawley gave credit to the Melrose defending and called it the best that the Bulldogs have faced this season.
“They blocked us very well and we didn’t recover very much from that. They tipped more than any team this year and I think that was the big difference.”
Melrose jumped out early and dominated the opening set to grab hold of the momentum, but in each of the following two sets Canton built early leads only to allow Melrose to regain control.
The second set was the opportunity for the Bulldogs to get right back into the match. Behind senior captain Julia Murphy’s powerful kills and solid serving from senior Jackie Bornemann, Canton raced out to a 13-6 and 16-9 lead.
Melrose turned things around quickly and won 16 of the next 21 points to claim the second set and put Canton’s season on the line.
Cawley was at a loss to explain why the Bulldogs could not sustain momentum in the final two sets.
“I wish I had an answer for that because then I could have changed something. I think their block really shut us down.”
Murphy was once again the star for Canton. The senior, who will be playing at UMass Boston next season, kept the Bulldogs alive with a series of shots that Melrose struggled to handle. Cawley spoke in glowing terms about the captain.
“I think Julia is one of the best players in the state. She hits out of the outside and the middle. She’s an excellent blocker - she plays all the way around. She has a positive attitude, a great work ethic, and never says die. The other kids follow her lead.”
Murphy’s fellow captains, Mellyn Costello (libero), Lindsey Arthur (opposite hitter) and Kaitlin Phillips (setter) each had solid games, but the Red Raiders were too strong overall.
Despite the defeat, Cawley was very positive about the season that Canton just finished. The Bulldogs took home the D2 Central sectional title and ended the season with a remarkable 22-1 record.
“It was a great year, I think we overachieved a little bit. We have an excellent team, but I don’t think anyone really expected us to win the Central sectional. I’m proud of my girls, they never gave up.”
Murphy echoed her coach’s sentiments after playing her final game for Canton, “We worked really well as a team. We were undefeated, it was a great feeling. After 12-13 years of volleyball at Canton High to win a sectional title. I love all these girls.”