Cross-country girls are 2-1 after Spartan win

By JENNIFER GENTILE

STONEHAM—The Melrose High girls cross country team picked up their first win of the season on Sept 26 at Arsenal Park in Watertown, beating the Raiders, 19-44, then followed it up with sweep over Stoneham on Tuesday to improve to 2-1 on the season.

Against Watertown, it was nearly a sweep at the top with Melrose sophomore Naomi Breay placing first with a time of 21:48.

Though Watertown took the second spot, Melrose’s dominance continued with Maizie Frakt placing third at 21:52 and Darby Thompson 4^th at 22:01, and Ella Ugino 5^th at 22:22. Melrose took the next 9 spots in the following order: Kensington Ludlum, Jaya Karamcheti, Violeta Rechea, Ava Piccone, Teagan Altman, Mirabel Blanchard, Elizabeth Weieneth and Diana Mena. Rounding out the top 20 were Marina Carrieri and Isla Paulson. Also competing in the meet were Mae Donohue, Helen Morash, Eleanor Marston, Skylar Blanch, Lucy Clark, Zoe Audet Madeline Gomila-Mattei and Tsering Chophel.

According to Melrose head coach Nick Tuccinardi, runners such as Naomi Breay, Ella Ugino and Maizie Frakt have helped motivate each other on the course, which has helped Melrose earn top times. “They push each other and run well together,” he notes.

He also points to the vast improvement of Kensington Ludlum and also notes that seniors are gaining strength this season. “Seniors Addie Lawlor and Darby Thompson came into the year battling some sickness that hindered their summer running but are finding their stride and seem to be getting stronger and stronger.”

Overall, he has a large group of talent that is helping fill the top ten spots to pave way to victories. “We have a ton of first time runners who have shown a lot of dedication and commitment to the sport and we’re excited to continue their development alongside them,” says the coach.

Melrose will take part in a couple of invitationals over the next weekends, including this weekend’s annual MSTCA Bay State Invitational at Fort Devens at 10:00 a.m. The following weekend Melrose will take part in the always-unforgettable Twilight Meet at Barnstable Fairgrounds.

Melrose will resume league play on Oct. 17 when they host Wilmington at Greenwood Park in Stoneham.