Battle to the finish ends in 11-10 loss
CORBIN WHITE is among the leader scorers for the Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — The Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team lost a close battle against Lexington on April 29 by a score of 11-10 in a contest that came down to last possession.
Melrose enjoyed spread out offense with goals from Mike Pedrini (3), Jack Siebert (3), Corbin White (2) and one apiece from Ryan McDermott and Jack Mandracchia.
“We scored on every possession in the second half of the game but it wasn’t enough,” says head coach Matt James. “Lexington is always a tough team.”
Melrose fell behind 5-3 after the first but had tied it up 7-7 at the half. After falling to a deficit of 11-8, Melrose battled back nearly tying it again but instead took the 11-10 loss. James points to the solid play of long stick middie Tom Calvert for keeping them competitive. “He did a nice job shutting down some of the best players in the league. He’s a special player who is a real leader.”
James also credited the play of Mike Pedrini, a standout football player at MHS. “He’s playing awesome for us, stepping in as our face off guy, able to prevent fast breaks and has developed into one of our leading scorers.”
Right now, it appears the battle for a league title will be between Watertown and Wakefield, whom Melrose will face on the road May 13. But before then the team begins league play against Burlington Monday night at 6:30 at Fred Green Field. The evening also serves as Senior Night.
“We’re looking forward to our second half of the season. We’ve prepared all season for league play,” says their coach.
