THE MELROSE High girls’ hockey team picked up their first win of the season over Medford on Jan. 15. (Raj Das edphotos.com)
Medford win is a 1st for revived Melrose program
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High school girls’ hockey team clinched their first win of the season, and their first win as a once again newly-independent program, when they bested Medford, 3-1, on Sat. January 15 at the Flynn Rink.
It’s been an uphill battle for Melrose to get in the winning column, but it may have been worth the wait, as Melrose enjoys their first win as renewed independent team no longer beholden to Stoneham (“Stonerose”) to help them secure victory.
Melrose senior captain Itia Figueira was the standout of the day, scoring twice for the Red Raiders, while sophomore teammate Lucy Clark scored Melrose’s first goal (on a Figueira assist). Melrose coach Frank Sorrenti was happy that his team reached the milestone. “I was proud that they prevailed in a competitive, tight game against a bit of a chippy Medford team. And I liked how our defense worked. We’ve been trying to work on our defensive zone coverage.”
He was even more impressed with Figueira’s work on the ice. “I was proud of Itia out there. She really brought it.”
Melrose goalie Ruby Hansen played solid at the net. Says the coach, “I was pleased that Ruby rode it out, once we took a lead she didn’t look back. She played great and has really turned a corner. She sees the puck well.” With her on defense has been work from Bridget and Caitlin Price, along with Teagan Altman, Keira Thomey and Addison Savidge. “Our defense is coming a long way,” notes the coach. He’s also excited about switching junior Maddie Tobin to center. “Maddie brings 110% effort. Her aggression and speed are what we need out there.”
Coach Sorrenti remains pragmatic about the rest of the season. Melrose faces brutally tough competition across the Middlesex League but it’s that high level of play that’s going to make this team better. “In the games that we lose, I tell the team to forget the scores and play with a focus on keeping up with the pace and high level of competition.”
The team recently celebrated Senior Night to honor their three seniors, Itia Figueira and Bridget and Caitlin Price. They are a trio who’ve been seen it all, from a 2019 league champ season to two seasons as Stonerose—and now, back to Melrose. “These are players paving the way,” says Sorrenti. “We’re grateful.”
Melrose will travel to Lexington on Saturday for a 7:15 p.m. game and will host Arlington on Wednesday evening at 6:15 pm. at the Flynn Rink.
