Melrose kicks off 2024 with a win & new coach
THE MELROSE High girls lacrosse team opened their season with an impressive 11-7 win over Belmont. (photo by Raj Das, edphotos.com)
After press time: Melrose defeats Winchester 11-7 (April 9)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—In the nearly 15 years existence of the Melrose High girls’ lacrosse team, Melrose has transformed from a scrappy upstart to a playoff staple team. And now the baton has been passed to a new coach, Alicia Geiter, last year’s assistant coach who takes over for now-retired longtime coach Matt Galusi, who brought the team to several playoff seasons.
Melrose opened their season up on Tuesday with an impressive win, making Geiter’s debut all the more special. Melrose beat Belmont, 11-7, on the road, and was led in scoring by junior Jill Frawley with 3 goals and a great debut from Anna Matthews, who earned her first varsity goal and then some (for 4 total) while fellow frosh Chloe Arnold earned her first goal. Also adding to the offensive onslaught was Lucy Clarke and Alison Doherty.
It was a celebratory debut for Melrose, and their new coach, a former Coastal Carolina Div. 1 player who trained as a youth in one of the best programs in the country. Geiter’s high school team won four Group 3 state championships and two New Jersey state championships after undefeated seasons during her junior and senior year. Geiter trained under Deanna Knobloch, the most winning high school lacrosse coach in New Jersey history. Geiter currently describes herself as “an attacker by heart and a versatile player” with an understanding of lacrosse as a whole.
She spoke of her Melrose lacrosse introduction. “I was referred to the Melrose by [boys coach] Matt James. He really got my foot in the door and Matt Galusi [girls coach] took a chance on me and I can’t thank both of them enough. The girls were so talented and accepting of me my first year. That senior class made my transition into Melrose so easy and I’m grateful for them believing in me as a coach.”
Geiter currently works in clinical research for rare disease and lives nearby with her fiancé Will and her puppy Linus. She remains inspired by her mentors of the past as she looks to bring Melrose to the next level. “If I can give even a portion to these girls what Deanna and KC Knobloch, Courtney Darling and all others gave me, I would call that a success. I want Melrose to be a powerhouse and I will hold myself to that standard,” she says.
Tuesday was a great start and Melrose had a very solid defensive effort thanks in part to senior goalie Sophia Hitchman, an All Star captain who returns as starting goalie for her fourth year. “Sophia especially in the last 3 minute mark made massive saves. Defense was awesome overall, staying calm and collected, and I was happy about the distribution of goals on offense,” says Geiter.
Last year, Melrose went one round in playoffs, and this year they bring back a lot of talent who helped make it happen. Melrose comes equipped with leadership and returns four seniors: Emily Lucien, Sophia Hitchman, Alison Doherty and Lucy Clark. Serving as captains are Hitchman, Doherty and Clark. All of the seniors have been instrumental in the last four years of success and Melrose also returns five starters in Ruby Sterling, Ella Daniels, Keira Brophy, Nadia Santos and Kayla Good. Ten overall new players join the team.
Melrose defense and will also have some great back up with goalies Izzy Costello and Mackenzie Arcovio on board. “We have three amazing goalies!” enthused the coach. “Our defense will remain versatile with players that can play multiple positions and it helps with a more transition friendly defense.” Expect senior Emily Lucien to continue her masterful defense from last year and always-sharp play from returning starter Alex Leeman.
This season, expect parity on offense. Says the coach, “I don’t believe in overloading or relying on one great player. We have great offensive players that blend well and work together seamlessly. We’re a young team with a lot of players that can step up.”
The philosophy Coach Geiter would like to embrace is one of a team-first mentality. She continues, “I want everyone to be willing to go to battle for the person next to them. It’s not about the name of your back but the name on your chest that you wear proudly. I want it to be a place where you meet your best friend, a place of inclusivity and reprieve. I don’t expect this to happen overnight. This is a process and one I’m ready to invest in.”
Melrose will host Reading on Thursday (post deadline) before traveling to Watertown and Winchester. Check out their next home game on April 24 against rival Wakefield.
