2-1 so far this season; several punch ticket to States

High-jump-web

THE MELROSE girls’ spring track team is 2-1 on the season after wins over Burlington and Wilmington. (Donna Larsson photo) 

Published in the May 6, 2016 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — The Melrose High girls’ spring track team has long showed some of the best talent in the state and that tradition has continued in 2016. Melrose is off to a 2-1 start to the season with victories over Wilmington and Burlington, while Mother Nature has postponed scheduled dual meets against Reading and Stoneham. According to head coach Trevor Rudolph, senior leadership has helped put Melrose among the top of the league.

Leading the team as captains are Elizabeth Hirsch, Sarah Denning, Holly Cohan and Emily Bertolaccini.

Melrose began their season with a 81-55 victory over Wilmington on April 11 and another win against Burlington on May 1. It was a significant victory according to coach Rudolph because the Red Devils had been unbeaten for two years. Being the team that ended that streak says a lot about Melrose, who sit right below Wakefield (3-0) in league standings.

Among those Melrose athletes who have qualified for States already include Emily Donovan, a multi dimensional athlete who Rudolph calls a “Swiss army knife.” Donovan has qualified thus far in the high jump and triple jump. “She gets better every meet and is one of the best players in the league,” says her coach.

Meanwhile, statewide competition is all too familiar with the standout work of Elizabeth Hirsch and Anne Morrison, who’ve advanced among elite athletes in past seasons. Quad-captain Hirsch is wrapping up a prolific running career at MHS through her track and cross country competitions. To no great surprise she has qualified in both the mile and two mile. “Liz had an amazing indoor season and is of to an amazing start,” says her coach. Morrison, meanwhile, has qualified in the long jump, an event she has seen success in it during their two winning meets.

Rudolph points out the talent of underclassman Molly Clark and Holly Moore. Moore was key in a successful relay at last weekend’s Div. 3 Spring Relays. “She ran a huge leg for us even though she normally does the mile. She has great versatility and a bright future ahead,” says Rudolph.

Freshman Molly Clark is proving that ferocious things come in small packages. “She’s a small bundle of energy and has already taken wins in the discus and shot put,” says the coach. “She has tons of potential.”

Haley Moss has also already qualified for States in the high jump and the hurdles. “She’s having a special year,” says Rudolph. Another hurdler whose off to a strong start is Sarah Denning who has been “absolutely great,” according to her coach.

Melrose is well represented in their relay teams with a 4×100 team of Ann Morrison, Lauren Cincotta, Emily Bertolaccini and Brooke Barris, and a 4×400 team of Sarah “Boom” Herron, Caroline Nolan, Liz Hirsch, Emily Donovan and Maddie Hughes.

Over the weekend Melrose saw success at the Div. 3 Spring Relays thanks to their triple jump team of Haley Moss, Sarah Denning and Emily Donovan. On May 13 Melrose will again mingle with some of the state’s best when they compete in the MSTCA Freshman/Sophomore Meet.

Their only blip on the radar according to Rudolph was a loss to “the team North of us.” Wakefield beat Melrose 78-58 to remain undefeated on the season.

Despite that, Rudolph predicts only good things in 2016. “We have the depth to do well in post season and have athletes who compete on a high level. It will be a good season.”