After press time:
Melrose defeats Wakefield 2-1 (Oct. 10)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High field hockey team earned a huge win this week when they shutout Woburn, 2-0, at Woburn High stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 9.
Scoring for Melrose was Alex Zaino and Mary Atkinson. Earning the shutout at the net was Elena Fuentes.
“We had a great game, we started off a little slow and picked it up as the game went on,” said proud coach Olivia Cameron. “The win was a team win between Elena in net, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. This game was so important to win because the next games are such high stakes games go come out on top. I’m so proud of them and we now need to carry this win into the next few games for sure.”
That includes a rematch over Wakefield on Thursday (post deadline). Melrose had previously enjoyed an impressive early season win over the Warriors.
“We have had a lot of growth this season,” says Cameron. “The girls are playing as a team and they have a lot more knowledge about the game which is carrying over.”
A flexible lineup has helped Melrose this season. “Lots of girls can play in multiple positions which helps change things up mid game and adapt to the level of play.”
That includes a variety of scorers on attack, and this season they’ve seen efforts from Anna Sullivan and Sophia Sullivan, who have been finding the back of the net in multiple games. Other offensive efforts have come from Alex Zaino, Ruby Sterling, Mary Atkinson, and Emi Judge. “It’s been great to see different people score,” says their coach.
And defensively, Melrose has been strong efforts from her players on the field, including goalie Fuentes. “We have had a really strong defense from the beginning and that includes Elena, who is a great leader and takes anyone under her wing,” says the coach. “One great thing about my defensive group is their communication during play and practice is collaborative and they learn from each other.”
It helps to have the leadership of their senior captains, Sophia Sullivan, Alex Zaino, Elena Fuentes and Ava Viola. The four will be celebrated on Senior Night on Oct. 17. Their coach credited them for their efforts all season. “Sophia has scored a few of our goals this year and always comes to practice and games with a great attitude. Ava is such a strong player for us in the backfield and corners. She always is communicating and collaborating. Elena is our strong goalie who is one of our strongest communicators.” And one player is now taking her field hockey game on the college level. Says Cameron, “Alex Zaino has recently just committed to Plymouth State to play field hockey. Alex is one of our strongest players and really knows how to handle the ball up the sides. We are all so excited to watch her continue her career after high school.”
Melrose will round out their schedule with another go-around of Middlesex League Freedom games. The hope is to hopefully position themselves in a better spot to possibly qualify for playoffs. Says the coach, “We’re excited for these games coming up and the girls are ready to win some more.”