Updates post publication:
Melrose defeats Woburn 2-1 (Sept. 7)
Melrose falls to Belmont 1-1 (Sept. 9)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—One of the more promising MHS teams in recent years has been the varsity field hockey team, who has put together recent successful seasons and could see that culminate this year into a winning campaign and playoff appearance.
Now in her third year as Melrose head coach, Claire Grogan feels the most confident she has in the team after seeing their winning pre-season efforts, which has included two victories over Peabody and Waltham, in 2-0 and 1-0 shutouts.
“We’re really excited for this season and are off to a strong start,” says Grogan, who believes this team “can go the distance.”
They open up this week on Thursday (post deadline) against Woburn, a team they beat last year. Last season, they were tantalizingly close to playoffs. They certainly have the ingredients for it this year. While they lost some talented seniors last year, they are mostly made up of underclassmen which bodes well for future seasons.
Key to their success is their four-year starting goalie Layla Szymczak, a senior captain who earned those two pre-season shutouts. “She’s the core of our defense and is excellent,” says her coach. “She’s a great leader and it’s been a pleasure to watch her develop into such a strong player over the years.”
Joining in captain duty is fellow senior Megan Jancaitis, a defensemen who will be counted on bringing her skill and leadership to the field. They also have some returning starters sure to keep Melrose competitive including juniors Ava Viola, Alex Zaino, and Elena Fuentes, and juniors Emi Judge, Zoe Blumenthal, Lindsay Minton and Elsie English.
Aiding Szymczak at the net are defensemen English, Minton and Megan Jancaitis.
New players include Sofia Sullivan and freshman Grace Jenkins, Sofia Hulbert, Mary Atkinson, Callie Boulduc and Anna Sullivan who scored Melrose’ s lone goal against Peabody.”I’m especially excited about Anna Sullivan, as she scored already, as a freshman,” the coach enthused.
As they kick off their season they are focusing on fine-tuning their game. “It’s important for us to score first, and pass well,” says Grogan. And an early goal exists:
“Last year we had two ties against Burlington. This year we want those to be wins.”