Last season’s 13-5 season was one of the best
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ lacrosse team returns to play next week just a year after one of their most successful seasons in 2024 when they amassed a 13-5 final record and advanced a round in Div. 2 playoffs. They open their season on Tuesday at home against Belmont at 4:00 p.m.
This season, second-year head coach Alicia Geiter reports large roster numbers and some clutch returners who will pick up where they left off. Fifty-six players decorate the overall roster between varsity and junior varsity players. “That’s a huge number that we are excited about,” says coach Geiter. “We have a lot of new players – some brand new to lacrosse which is awesome.”
And, they will be led by three very strong captains. “These are names you will expect to hear a lot of this season,” says their coach of her captains: seniors Alex Leeman, Jill Frawley and junior Keira Brophy.
“Alex and Kiera are staples on our defense and Jill is an all-around great player,” says the coach. “Off the field they are stellar student athletes. Alex is a perfect example of a player that came in her freshman year and had never picked up a stick or had knowledge of the game. I think she exemplifies how hard work pays off.”
Frawley remains the team’s highest scorer, with over 500 points and is on the cusp of earning her 100th goal. “Be on the lookout,” teases the coach. “Is Jill Frawley a household name yet? I think she might be! Jill has such a deep understanding and an intense passion for the game. She’s a player coaches want to coach. Coming in as a freshman recovering from an ACL tear is tough. We are lucky to have her leading our team.”
Defensemen Brophy enters as a junior captain with big expectations. “Kiera being a junior captain is a big accomplishment,” says Geiter. “She’s a workhorse who leads by example, a levelheaded kid who shows maturity beyond her years. She’s also not afraid to laugh at herself or lighten moods when needed.”
Manning their defense is senior goalie Izzy Costello. Says the coach, “She is a brick wall of a player, and we are excited to see her shine. She provides feedback to attackers to give them another perspective.”
With lots of new opportunities, look for players to get a chance to make their mark on the team. “Our returners are spread out in all positions, but you will see new players rotating in,” says coach Geiter.
The team’s early scrimmage season has seen them take part in the Lexington Play Day last week consisting of a round robin of 6-20 minutes games. Says the coach, “We were pleased with our level of play, and it helped define some areas we need to work on. It’s also good to give the girls time to gel in a real game situation and boost some confidence.”
Coming off a very strong season that included a first-round playoff win, Melrose has every reason to believe they will match and raise those efforts. “There are some things we are taking from last year that are sore spots for us. We need to be better in our clears and transitions. We’re making conscious efforts to hone in on our soft skills as well. We’ve picked up harder teams this year so our schedule will hold more weight.”
That includes the muscle in the Middlesex League. “This league just keeps getting better,” says the coach. “It’s amazing to see the strides we’ve taken in the last few years. We’re looking forward to a great and competitive season. I’m excited for this year. We’re hitting a solid stride.”
Check out Melrose at home on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. when they open against Belmont.