Warriors (4-0) go for outright title against Stoneham Tuesday
WAKEFIELD’s two-milers ran the race of their lives to sweep Melrose late in the meet and help the Warriors beat the Red Raiders by just two points. Pictured is Shannon Driscoll (left) and Retta Carroll. Both had personal-bests as Driscoll took first (12:47) and Carroll got second (12:48). Senior Gillian Russell completed the sweep with a 13:01. (Donna Larsson Photo)
Published in the May 4, 2018 edition.
MELROSE — The WMHS girls’ track and field team knew at the beginning of the season that if they wanted to win another Freedom Division championship, a trip to Melrose on May 1 would most likely make or break their quest. Although Wakefield still has to defeat Stoneham on Tuesday to clinch the title outright, they beat Melrose to clinch at least a share of the championship.
“As advertised, this was the meet of the season,” said head coach Karen Barrett. “I said things had to go next to perfect for us to win. My girls came together and fought tooth-and-nail for our 69-67 victory.”
During an incredible meet that brought out the best performances on both teams, it was the Warriors who made that extra push at the finish line to bring it home.
Lillian Jones took second in the 400 hurdles with a 72.2. She also got Wakefield’s only point in the 100 hurdles running a PR of 17.8.
The mile was exciting with Olivia Lucey running a state qualifying 5:29 for 1st place. Freshman Audrey Schopperle ran an amazing race to beat the Melrose top miler. Schopperle ran an impressive PR of 5:43 for 2nd place.
Sophomore Olivia Fetherston had a phenomenal day winning the high jump with a PR of 5’2”. She also placed 3rd in the long jump with a PR of 16’4” which qualifies her for states.
Maddy Melanson was 3rd in the high jump with a 4’10” jump.
Allee Purcell broke a 43-year school record in the long jump. She jumped 16’7.75”. This got her 1st place and a school record. Purcell also won the 400 with a 60.7 and got 2nd in the 100 meter dash with a 12.7.
“I could not be prouder of her,” said Barrett.
Sophmores Adriana Minasian and Emily Pudvah took 2nd and 3rd in the triple jump with PR’s of 31’4” and 30’3”.
Eadeen Beck had a phenomenal day winning the shot put with a 34’7” and 2nd in the discus with a huge PR of 98’4”. Samantha Nimblett took 3rd in the shot with a 27’3”. C. C. Colliton took 3rd in the discus with a 71.
Freshman Elina Olmedo had a PR in the 800 taking 3rd with a 2:34. Sarah Labiad and Ana Lucas took 2nd and 3rd in the 200 with PR’S of 26.5 and 27.3.
“At this point in the meet, we needed 17 points to win,” said Barrett.
The two mile and javelin were the only events left.
Wakefield’s two milers ran the race of their life, sweeping Melrose standout senior Tara O’Shea. Freshman Shannon Driscoll won the race with a PR of 12:47. Sophomore Retta Carroll was right there for second with a PR of 12:48 and senior Gillian Russell completed the sweep coming from behind with a 13:01.
“It was such an electric moment,” said Barrett. “The energy was extremely high. We now just needed eight points in the javelin. Our girls did not disappoint.”
Sophmores Rachel Cook and Julia Castellano took 1st and 2nd in the javelin. Cook threw an 82’2”, with Castellano throwing a huge PR of 81. This gave Wakefield a 69 which won the meet.
“It was an amazing team win,” said Barrett. “Every point counts and I could not be prouder of every girl on the team.”
Wakefield will compete this Saturday at the State Freshman and Sophmore meet as well as the Twilight Meet.
“We will continue to work hard, and stay focused for another big meet Tuesday against Stoneham,” said Barrett, who has made it clear to her team that while the Melrose win and a share of the title is certainly something to be proud of, they have a great opportunity ahead of them. “We do not want to share this title. If we do our job, I am confident in my girls to take the title outright.”
