But Fay and Fuccione will see a post season
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High golf team enjoyed another competitive fall after tallying 5 wins over the season and earning the top Freedom League spot at the 2024 Middlesex League Shoot Out.
It should be no surprise that two of their top golfers have advanced to North Sectional Individual play in a post season appearance this week that will see them fight for a qualified spot at States.
Senior captains Noah Fay and Matthew Fuccione were scheduled to compete this Wednesday (post deadline) at the Brookline Country Club to fight for a spot among the state’s best.
“I told them if they can shoot a 74, they are in,” predicts Melrose head coach Rick McDermod. “And I feel good about it.”
Should the duo qualify they will play on Monday at Berkshire Hills Country Club.
Melrose otherwise wraps up their competitive season, finishing with a 5-7 record that includes winning two of their last three matches against Wilmington and Woburn.
They hosted Wilmington on Oct. 2 and beat the Wildcats 37-35. “Wilmington was a steady team and we were lucky to pick up that win,” says McDermod.
Earning victories for Melrose in that match were Matthew Fuccione, Tanner Kovacs, Aiden Ryan and Colin Cote, whose 7-2 score proved the difference in the match. “Colin really nailed it for us,” says his proud coach. “That proved to be the score we needed.”
Melrose also served up a Senior Night win on Oct 3, when friends and family were on hand to honor their five seniors Dylan Harrington, Mike Thomas, Jason Tang, Matthew Fuccione and Noah Fay, and then witnessed Melrose beat the Woburn Tanners, 39.5-32.5.
The well-earned victory was behind the efforts of Fuccione, Fay, Mike Thomas, Aiden Ryan and Colin Cote.
A previous loss to Arlington that week was otherwise highlighted by wins from Fay and Cote and a solid tie from Dylan Harrington.
Melrose is a young team and coach McDermod anticipates players with much promise in 2025. Those returning include Ben Kavanaugh, Tanner Kovacs, Aiden Ryan, Brendan Sestito, Damien Wittebol, Justin Sontoriello, Colin Cote, Cooper Kovacs, Aiden Thompson and Ray Willis, IV.
Though young, there is a lot of talent and golf IQ in this group. Notes the coach, “These are ‘Hood kids and Bellevue members. They are young and experienced. They have an entire off-season to stay out there and get better and test out other courses too, which will only increase their skill.”
As for his seniors? “Any of our success this season couldn’t have been done without them,” says the grateful coach. “These are golfers that our underclassmen should aspire to.”
