Melrose loses a Sweet 16 heartbreaker, 14-13
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LONGMEADOW—It was a heartbreaking way to end the season for the Middlesex Freedom League champion Melrose High girls’ lacrosse team on June 4, as they were nipped by No. 7 seed host Longmeadow, 14-13, on a hot, humid night in the MIAA Division 2 state tournament Round of 16 game.
Lancer goalie Nora VanDerhoof made a huge save with six seconds left to prevent the game from going into overtime.
Molly Henshon, who had a team-high five goals, netted the game-winning goal for the Lancers a few moments earlier.
This game was nip-and-tuck all evening and could have easily went in favor No. 9 seeded Melrose.
Things got off to a good start for the locals as they led, 2-0.
“I do think we caught them off -guard,” said Melrose head coach Alicia Geiter. “I’m not sure they were expecting the level of play we bring.”
When the Lancers responded Melrose didn’t get down on themselves despite the heat and the over two-hour bus trip.
“Our girls really, really dug deep and the energy levels were off the charts,” said Geiter. “Even with momentum changes they never once got down or gave up.”
Chloe Arnold led the Melrose offense with a game-high six goals while Jill Frawley recorded a hat trick.
Anna Matthews led Melrose in assists with four and she also scored once. Julia McNeely had two goals while Grace Daniels scored once. Melrose goalie Izzy Costello made four saves to end up at 14-5 in net. Samantha Goodrich was second in scoring for the Lancers with four goals and one assist.
With that loss, Melrose ended the year at a very strong 14-5 and holders of the Middlesex Freedom title. Meanwhile, eighth-seeded Longmeadow lost at Notre Dame of Hingham, 16-6, last Friday in the Round of 8 game to end up at 8-13.