After a 4-1 season, Melrose wants to finish unbeaten
Published September 6, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—After three consecutive seasons of impressive 4-1 records, the Melrose High girls’ cross country team is ready to be 5-0 and the last one standing in the Middlesex Freedom League as they enter the fall season. If history has proven anything, it’s that being a perfect 5-0 record is the prerequisite to capturing an elusive Middlesex League title. Quite simply, there is no room for error.
Last year, only one measly point separated the Lady Raiders and a perfect season, and that’s something that head coach Nick Tuccinardi and his 40 member squad would like to change.
“This is the biggest group I’ve coached since I started three years ago,” says the coach. “The program is trending upwards and that’s exciting.”
THE MHS girls’ cross country team is expected to contend for the league this season. (file photo)
Last year, Melrose (at 4-0) lost to Wakefield (also 4-0) after a course mishap in Wakefield, allowing the Warriors to take the league in an undefeated season. Melrose is determined not to let that happen again. But it is true that all roads to a league title go through Wakefield, whom Melrose hosts on Oct. 2 at 4:00 p.m. at Greenwood Park in Stoneham.
Leading this team this season are senior captains Alex Cotugno, Victoria Ackerman, Katie Duffy and Ashley Palmer. All four bring senior leadership and high skill to the course. That includes Cotugno, consistently a top finisher. Says her coach, “She’s a point earner for us, always at the top of the pack. We’re lucky to have her back.”
Victoria Ackerman, meanwhile, brings high energy and enthusiasm to each practice and meet. “She’s truly the spirit of the team,” says Tuccinardi. “She has a great IQ for the sport and is helpful to our younger players. She’s a natural leader.”
Katie Duffy is a seasoned vet who is coming off an impressive junior year. Says her coach, “She had an injury in the early season but did so much in only half-season. To be able to become an All-Star in that short amount of time says a lot. She’s diligent and always knowns how to finish strong.”
Emily Palmer, meanwhile, thrives on consistency. “She’s a strong athlete,” says Tuccinardi. “And a well rounded competitor who is consistent and works hard to improve.”
Much of the success will be riding on their sophomore star Charlotte Tysall, one of the most elite cross country runners in the state. “She’s a phenomenal runner and last year was a great experience for her. We really valued getting her into invitationals and other statewide competition. She operates in another world in terms of running but I enjoy seeing runners like Katie (Duffy) train with her.” They also have new blood that is bound do help in terms of depth. “We also have seven freshmen which is a great number for us, one of our largest,” says the coach. “We’re excited about that.”
Look for the girl’s cross country team to hit the ground running on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at home against Woburn at 4:00 p.m.
