HALEY MATÉ is on the attack for the Melrose Lady Raider lacrosse team, who enjoyed back-to-back wins over the weekend. (courtesy photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — The Melrose Lady Raider lacrosse team has emerged as a real threat this season and enjoyed back to back wins over the weekend. And while their record stands at 2-2, those are deceptive numbers. In two efforts, Melrose has outscored opponents 24-4 and have not lost by more than two goals in any game this season, including those against Middlesex Large teams Winchester and Belmont.
That says a lot about where they may stand among the league this season and also proves Melrose will be no push over. That was evident when Melrose took a key win over Arlington on April 10 by a score of 8-3 in what was a defensive gem for the Lady Raiders.
“One thing that has changed in our most recent games is that we are no longer a second half team,” reports their coach Cate Arkins. “During our win against Arlington every one came to the field realizing we were going to play with high intensity and energy from start to finish. They performed great and did solid job on transitions.”
On defense, Melrose forced nine turnovers and at the net Melrose’s Sarah Foote came up with some big saves. “Sarah had about 12 saves, she’s been an absolute wall in this position,” reports her coach.
The Lady Raiders once again relied on balanced scoring to attack their opponents. Hayley Rodriguez had three goals for Melrose, Haley Maté scored two goals and two assists, Katey Baraw added one goal and Anna Steele chipped in with two.
It was an easier road against Malden on Saturday, April 11 for round one of Mayors Cup action. Melrose took an easy win by a score of 16-1, thanks to terrific goal tending by Foote and a wide array of scoring from nine Lady Raiders, including those from Steele, Baraw, Maté and Rodriguez. “It wasn’t a very competitive game,” admits Arkins. “A challenge in a game like that is to keep intensity going. But it was also a great chance for our attackers to work on assists.”
Melrose looks to keep their winning streak alive when they host Arlington Catholic on Friday, April 24.
