Post publication updates:
Melrose falls to Watertown 4-0 (Oct. 24)
Melrose defeats Stoneham 1-0 (Oct. 23)
Published October 24, 2025
Field hockey team fighting for playoff spot
Forecast looks good to repeat last year’s historic run
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—With two games left on the regular season docket, the Melrose High field hockey appears to be in a solid contention for another post season.
Fans might recall Melrose’s historic 2024 fall when they not only qualified for playoffs but hosted – and won – their first post season game in decades.
Currently Melrose is power ranked in Div. 2 at #28, with teams ranked #33 and less becoming eligible for playoffs. Those final rankings should be determined next week. In the meantime, Melrose will finish the season against Freedom League teams Stoneham and (state champ) Watertown.
Melrose made a huge effort to keep their season going with an impressive 2-2 draw against league rival Burlington on Monday, thanks to two straight goals from Zoe Blackburn. Melrose remains 5-6-4 on the season.
“Burlington has always been a very strong opponent, and we always go into the game knowing it’s going to be a battle,” says Melrose head coach Olivia Cameron. “They are such a strong team with a different game plan than us that we have to adapt to, to play our best game.”
Melrose battled back after a 0-2 first half deficit, with one of those Burlington goals rather questionable in the opening minutes of the game. “The game was high energy and with intensity. Truthfully, it was a very questionable goal but we can’t control the refs calls. We still had such a strong game the entire time,” says coach Cameron.
As Melrose headed into the second half of the game, down two, they picked things up. Melrose’s Zoe Blackburn scored both of their goals in the second half.
Notes coach Cameron, “The first goal was off an amazing shot from Sophia Hulbert and it turned up the energy for the rest of the game to tie it up.”
Keeping Melrose scoreless in the latter part of the game was goalie Charlotte Taylor. “I said to her after the game, this was one of her best games yet,” says Cameron “She had some amazing saves to keep us in the game.”
Melrose’s defensive line also shined behind the work of Lindsay Minton, Saoirse Uzgiris, Brynn Baker, Callie Bolduc, and Elsie English. “They are always strong, and they make such an impact on our team every game,” says their coach.
Melrose also recently celebrated their Senior Night celebration to honor their outgoing seniors Elsie English, Lindsay Minton, Ruby Sterling, Brynn Baker, Sophie Brown, Saoirse Uzgiris, Emi Judge and Zoe Blumenthal. It was held on Oct. 16 prior to the Woburn game, but unfortunately Melrose had an injury to one of their strongest players, Mary Atkinson. “Losing Mary is going to be tough as she is a solid field hockey player and just a wonderful teammate. She has a huge impact on our midfield. By the reaction of all the girls on the team when she got hurt, you can tell what kind of teammate Mary is, and I know she is going to come back even stronger next year for our season.”
Despite Melrose’s loss to the Tanners, it was a special day for Melrose and their seniors. Says the coach, “Honoring the 8 seniors was an easy task since they have made such an impact to this team and this program and they are going to be SO missed.”
With playoff hopes still alive, Melrose is preparing for a possible appearance but also focusing on taking it one game at a time. “Playoffs is, of course, on our minds but we are focused on Stoneham next and Watertown before getting too ahead of ourselves,” says the coach. “Stoneham will be a very important game for sure and I know the girls are ready. Watertown we have our Breast Cancer Awareness Game and another chance to score a few on Watertown like the last game!”