But Reading proves a challenge
Update after press time:
Melrose falls to Wakefield (April 11)
Melrose falls to Winchester 16-4 (April 9)
Published April 11, 2025
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s lacrosse team split efforts against Middlesex Large competition last week with an impressive 12-2 win over Belmont and a 12-1 loss to arch rival Reading on Friday at Fred Green Field.
Melrose’s victory over the Marauders represented their second win of the season and they clinched it courtesy of scoring from Nick Hitchman and Leo Kleinbub who both had hat tricks, with Luke Dimilla and Sam Moore tallying two each.
“Belmont has always been a good opponent for us,” Melrose coach Jeff Heater said after the reunion. “They’re a tough, physical team that always give their best when we match up. Belmont took one from us two seasons ago, so I wanted to make sure we came ready to play.”
Melrose defense held its own in the effort, thanks in part to the strong work of Noah Fay at the net. “Noah has been a stalwart between the pipes this season,” says coach Heater. “He has great vision on the ball and moves very well. He is a major reason for some of our early season success. He has 33 saves so far this season.”
Overall Melrose defense did the job in the effort. “We had good overall team defense. Good communication allowed us to know where everyone was, however we allowed a few too many shots on our goalie.”
Melrose faced a stiffer challenge against Reading (3-0), who they hosted at home on Friday. The Rockets are a high a ranked team and Melrose lost 12-1, with the sole goal earned by Melrose’s Sam Moore.
“Reading is a strong program this year, they have a lot of skill at each position with a quite a bit of returning varsity experience,” says coach Heater. “Our offense was hurt by rushed possessions and poor shot selections. We need to control the ball and move off ball more.”
At press time, Melrose was preparing for a Wednesday contest against a historically strong Winchester team, who is also another playoff staple.
“Reading was a very good learning experience for us,” says Heater. “The boys know we can play better than what we showed. Focusing on our offensive possessions and doing our best to reduce unforced turnovers will help us contend with Winchester. Winchester will be another good test for us, but we feel ready and are excited for the opportunity.”
And this Friday afternoon Melrose hosts rival Wakefield at 4:15 p.m. for a must see game.