1-0 shutout against Arlington a good sign for 2018
Published in the September 14, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider field hockey team is off to a winning start in their 2018 season after a 1-0 victory over Arlington on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Fred Green Field in Melrose.
The win is a good sign for Melrose, who is looking to collect enough victories to make a playoff bid this year. “I expect us to earn more league wins this season,” says second year head coach Erin Parker. “This is a good team and a great group of girls who will find a way to get the ball in the net.”
That happened on Saturday when Melrose senior MacKenzie Moreschi scored the winning goal against the Spy Ponders, 1-0. Melrose is now 1-1 on their early season. Sophomore goalie Brianna Stanton held Arlington scoreless throughout the game.
Says the coach, “Brianna is new at the net for us and doing well. She has confidence and a great attitude.”
In her second season, Parker notes that Melrose has settled into a routine. “We’re comfortable with each other, there’s a familiarity that helps us know exactly where to focus our improvement on.”
Melrose returns to 2018 equipped with experienced captains who will make a difference this season. Representing Melrose are seniors Mairead Clark and Lizzie Carson, a duo who have gone above and beyond helping Melrose prepare for the fall season. “These two deserve so much credit for helping to get this team ready,” says Parker. “They ran captains practices, and spent a lot of time in the offseason getting the girls ready. It’s made a tremendous difference.”
They’ve been helped with their experienced seniors who include Moreschi, Maeve McGillicuddy and Jackie Whelan. “They have assumed leadership roles as well and will be big for us this year.” Melrose will also count on the experience of junior Nora Daly.
Nearly twenty Lady Raiders make up the roster. Fans should expect to see on defense, among others, Sam Chalbot, Emma Munro, Sophie Brennan and Lizzie Casey. On offense, look for Moreschi, Maeve McGillicuddy to join Carson on the attack. “They’ve all shown good possession and an ability to create opportunities to score,” says the coach. Parker notes that Lizzie Carson is primed to find the net. “She’s looking good, winning one on ones and has shown good stick skills.”
Underclassmen Catherine McCarron and Kalina Piasecki also join the squad.
Melrose has the pleasure of facing juggernaut Watertown twice a season but will look to Freedom League opponents such as Wakefield, Burlington and Stoneham as a barometer for their success. “Last season we had some real close battles in the Freedom league opponents and came up with ties,” says Parker. “With more experience and confidence, I’m hoping that these will translate into wins this year.”
Woburn, who they play on Wednesday (post deadline) is another team she’d like a crack at. “Last year we had a good game against them. This year we plan to beat them.”
This year she will be aided by assistant coaches Whitney Frates, Michelle Sewyck and Alisha Parsons. All are optimistic as the season kicks off.
“Overall, I was happy with our effort against Arlington, especially on defense,” says Parker. “After our loss against Lexington we really focused on areas of improvement.”
Melrose gets a crack at the Freedom League when they host Wilmington on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at Pine Banks.