Warriors (4-5) meet Newton North this afternoon
BROOKE LILLEY (19) starts a rush against Melrose on Saturday at Flynn Memorial Rink. Lilley had two assists against the Red Raiders following her game-winning goal in the 3rd against Watertown the previous week. Also pictured is Hope Melanson (15), goalie Abby Boudreau (33) and Olivia Cameron (18). (Donna Larsson Photo)
Published in the January 15, 2018 edition.
MEDFORD — The WMHS girls’ hockey team traveled to Flynn Memorial Rink in Medford on Saturday for a rivalry game against Melrose. The Red Raiders (6-1) have the best record in the Freedom Division, and although Wakefield came up short by a score of 4-2, it was a promising effort to build upon as the Warriors approach the halfway point of the season with a 4-5 record through nine games, with 11 remaining.
Wakefield and Melrose were even through one period with the Warriors responding nicely to a Red Raider goal to open the game. Wakefield came right back and scored on the power play from senior co-captain Vanessa Kaddaras, assisted by fellow co-captain Courtney Hill and junior forward Brooke Lilley. The first period ended with a score of 1-1.
Wakefield’s defense continued to hold strong throughout the 2nd period as Melrose was able to put just one more in the net to end the 2nd with a score of 2-1. The Red Raiders are currently second in the Freedom Division in goals for (25) behind Wakefield (26), so it was only going to be a matter of time before the two teams found their rhythm in the offensive zone.
In the 3rd, Melrose put two more goals in and despite another goal, this time from senior co-captain Olivia Cameron assisted once against by Lilley, the Warriors couldn’t get anything else going against the Middlesex League’s top defense (13 goals against).
Close win over Watertown
On Saturday, Jan. 6, Wakefield went to Watertown in search of a huge league win over the Raiders. After a defensive struggle through two periods, the Warriors pulled out an exciting win with an excellent effort in the final period.
The first two periods were scoreless mirror images of each other as both defenses came to play.
In the 3rd, Watertown scored on the power play to start the scoring. Wakefield, proving this year that they are never out of a game, responded swiftly with a goal from sophomore forward Annabella Forziati.
Wakefield capitalized on the momentum with another goal, this time from Brooke Lilley, assisted by Cameron and sophomore Hope Melanson. Goalie Abby Boudreau and the defense did the rest for Wakefield as they held on for the final 10 minutes of the game for a massive league win.
The Warriors will travel back to John Ryan Arena today at 2 p.m. for a non-league game against Newton North. After that, Wakefield will have four days to get ready for another huge Freedom tilt against Stoneham (4-4-2) who is currently two points up on Wakefield for 2nd place in the division, meaning a Warrior win would equal a second-place tie. That game is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 20, 6 p.m. at Stoneham Ice Arena.
