THE MELROSE High boy’s lacrosse team is rounding out their regular season on a winning note, with a presumed playoff spot secured. (photo by Dan Murphy, murphymediagroup.org)

 

 

 

Published May 24, 2024

Melrose knocks out three straight ML foes

By JENNIFER GENTILE 

MELROSE—The Melrose High boy’s lacrosse team is taking names as they prepare for a presumed playoff run that could start as early as next week. They helped their cause with three straight wins over Freedom rivals Wilmington, Watertown and Stoneham, outscoring their opponents 40-10 in a span of 10 days. 

Melrose is currently power ranked #27, a spot that seems consistent this season, which makes a playoff run in the Div. 2 field likely. Seedings will be released Wednesday and the start of games begins around May 31. 

Melrose began their winning ways when they beat Wilmington, 13-7, on May 10. “They had a solid team with a strong defense that can do good things,” says Melrose head coach Matt James said of the Wildcats. 

Melrose jumped out quick and handled the flow of the game well. Melrose’s Quinn Haggerty led the team with 4 goals. “Quinn had a great game with some beautiful goals,” says the coach. 

Also key to the win was senior captain Michael Fuccione at goal. Notes his coach, “He controlled the pace on defense and made some timely saves.”

Melrose senior captain Jack Wright continues his strong face off work of late. “He won every face off in the first half,” says coach James. “His ability to improve at that roll has been huge for us.”

Fueled by the win, Melrose outright dominated Watertown, 14-1, just days later on May 13. It was a game that was Melrose’s Leo Kleinbub and Luke DiMilla shine. “They had very good games,” notes the coach. “They’re making significant improvements over the past few games and will be able to keep it going in the playoffs.”

Melrose opted for Noah Fay at goalie and it paid off. “Noah Fay had a great game in net. He made a few big saves but more importantly he cleared the ball perfectly all game.”

Melrose enjoyed a very spread out offensive output with 3 goals from Max Kleinbub, 2 goals from Sean Maher, Finn Alpers, Nick Hitchman, Jos Baranyi, Quinn Fogarty and one each from Colin Fahey, Leo Kleinbub and Luke DiMilla.  

And, two days later on May 15, Melrose dominated Stoneham in a 13-2 victory that proved to be a defensive game. Melrose left the field having only allowed three goals in two games. Much of that solid defensive play against the Spartans came at the hands of Milo Mujalli and Dylan Mestjian. 

Notes coach James, “They had great games on defense. They are two young guys who are really starting to come together and dominate well.” 

Melrose was led in scoring by Max Klienbub with 5 goals. “We needed our big shooters against a zone defense and he shot well,” James said. 

He also pointed out solid efforts from Charlie Hoskins and Jack Wright. “We had very good games from our short stick D-mids Jack and Charlie Hoskins. Both took face offs and did very well,” said the coach.

Both goalies, Fuccione and Fay, did the job for Melrose, completely shutting down the Spartans.

As Melrose winds down the regular season and a playoff appearance likely, coach James reflects on things he’d like the team to prepare for. 

“Consistency. Stoneham was our most complete game of the season and I’d like that to be the benchmark moving forward.” 

Melrose finished 4-1 in the Freedom League, just missing the league title behind unbeaten Burlington. But one thing is for sure: they have endured the kind of difficult schedule that post season moments are made of. 

“The guys just need to believe they can do hard things physically and mentally and maintain that mindset for our last two games and into the playoffs,” says their coach. “We can play with anyone, it’s just a matter of doing it for a full game.”

Fans are encouraged to visit our social media pages or the MIAA website at www.miaa.net for up to date tournament information.