Post-publication update: Melrose falls 18-4 to Winchester (May 3)
Host Lexington @ 6:30 p.m. this evening for Youth Spirit Night (May 5)
A dominating 19-2 victory over Watertown
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s lacrosse team picked up a much-needed win over Freedom rival Watertown on April 26 on the road at Victory Field, 19-2. This comes as Melrose prepares for Youth Spirit night this evening prior to Melrose’s 6:30 p.m. home game against Lexington. Fans can enjoy youth mini games at halftime and a pregame introduction of small players and varsity players combined.
Earning victory over Watertown came at the right time for Melrose and it was a game in which both defense and offense was working on all cylinders. Leading scoring for Melrose was senior captain Stephen Fogarty with 5 goals. A host of other Melrose players added to onslaught including Quinn Fogarty and Max Kleinbub with 3 apiece, and Quinn Haggerty, Nick Hitchman and Colin Fahey all contributing with two. Adding individual goals were Leo Kleinbub and a first varsity goal for Luke Demilla.
At the net, junior goalie Michael Fuccione got the win and prevented the Raiders from scoring more than 2 goals.
Among those who stood out during the game was Matthew Fuccione in the role of long stick midfielder. Says Melrose head coach Matt James, “He is a really good player and having him back made a huge difference in transition and on unsettled players.”
He also pointed to the work of Quinn Haggerty. “He had a great game as well. He’s got a lot on his plate being a young player who is a second year varsity player and he is really starting to figure it out.”
Once again, Melrose’s Max Kleinbub came through managing the field, notes James. “Max played very well and is working very hard to be the one who calms down our young guys in the offensive end.”
He also noted the multi-leveled work of Stephen Fogarty and Colin Fahey. “They play almost every shift in both ends and are very productive.”
And one sophomore has been particularly standing out. “Nick Hitchman is showing an exceptional level of play as a sophomore,” says the coach.
The win came at the right time for Melrose, who has fallen shy against top competition, most of it in nonleague play. Nonetheless, James is optimistic. “I really like where we are at now. Watertown was a perfect game at just the right time for us.”
The coach acknowledges that a tough April schedule contributed to their current 2-7 record but there is opportunity to turn this around. This may have been a start. “We went through an incredibly tough schedule before and during April break that really helped us develop,” he says. “The progress has been outstanding despite the lopsided scores. It really helped our younger guys realize what they need to do to get to the next level and they applied it during the Watertown game.”
One thing for sure is Melrose will take that win and draw upon it. “I think the emotion we brought to that game was exactly what we needed. That paired with the skills and game prep working during that stretch that all came together.”
They’ll have to maintain that intensity against Winchester who they will face Wednesday, May 3 (post deadline). They will soon dabble in some additional Freedom League games as they approach the final lap of the regular season.
Notes the coach, “We just have to keep building on what we have accomplished and set a new baseline for our expectations in practice and on game day. Our defense is really coming together nicely and building confidence.”