Warriors hold off rival Melrose to secure title outright
THE WMHS girls’ track team repeated as Middlesex League division champions with a victory over Melrose yesterday afternoon at the Shaun Beasley Track and Field facility. The Warriors not only went 5-0 for the second straight spring, but they also won the triple with league championships in cross country and indoor track this school year as well.
Published in the May 12, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — The Warrior girls’ outdoor track team doesn’t have to share after all.
Despite facing a good Melrose squad, Wakefield was ready and rose to the occasion as it defeated the Red Raiders by a 81-55 score yesterday afternoon in makeup meet at the Shaun Beasley Track and Field facility to repeat as Middlesex League Freedom division champions.
The Warriors went 5-0 in dual meet competition for the second straight spring. Wakefield also captured league championships in cross country and girls’ indoor to win the triple crown this school year.
“We knew it would be tough to beat Melrose, but the girls showed up to win!,” said head coach Karen Barrett. “They stayed focused and mentally tough and pulled out the victory. I am so proud of their tremendous effort and attitude!”
The meet started off great with a sweep in the 400 Hurdles. Abby Harrington, a senior captain, took first with a time of 70.1 seconds, followed by freshman Lilian Jones and sophomore Michelle Maffe with times of 73.6 seconds and 78.5 seconds.
Harrington also won the triple jump with a distance of 32’9 1/2”.
“It was great to have her back for such an important meet,” said Barrett. “She really gutted it out giving us a much needed 10 points.”
Olivia Lucey, a freshman, won the mile with a 5:33.
“She has had an amazing season. I forget she is a freshman because she runs like a seasoned veteran,” said Barrett.
The high jump was phenomenal to watch between Anne Morrison from Melrose and Allee Purcell and Olivia Fetherston, a junior and a freshman. All three all cleared 5’0”. Morrison then cleared 5’2” for the win giving Purcell and Fetherston second and third.
“I have never had two girls that could jump five feet,” said Barrett.
Fetherston also scored Wakefield’s only points in the long jump getting a PR distance of 15’4 1/2” for second place.
“She is a fabulous addition to this team,” said Barrett.
Purcell continues to excel on the track. She took first in both the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes. She ran times of 12.7 seconds and a 26.0 seconds.
“She currently has the best time in the league in the 100, 200, and 400,” said Barrett. “I am so glad I get her for one more year.”
Ana Lucas, a junior, was second in the 200 with a PR of 27.8 seconds. She ran a fantastic race said Barrett.
Christina Freni and Marissa Hoffman, both seniors, took charge of the 100 hurdles taking first and second. Freni ran a PR of 18.2 seconds and Hoffman ran a time of 18.5 seconds.
“That was huge for us because going into the race Melrose had better times,” said Barrett. “(I) Loved their effort!”
Sophomore Eadeen Beck scored Wakefield’s only points in the shot put and discus. She won both with throws of 31’11 3/4” and a PR of 89’7” in the discus.
“She came up huge for us with those 10 points,” said Barrett.
Alex Rollins, a senior, and Rachel Cook, a freshman, took first and second in the javelin. Rollins had a throw of 90’5” and Cook had a PR throw of 84’6”.
“That earned Cook her varsity letter as a freshman,” said Barrett.
Kaitlin Sweeney, a freshman, scored Wakefield’s only points in the 400 meters running a PR of 64.4 seconds for second place.
Cassie Lucci, a senior captain, and Isabella Kehoe, a sophomore, ran really aggressive to take first and second in the 800. They clocked in at 2:34 and 2:35.
“It was awesome to watch them take charge of the race,” said Barrett.
Jordan Stackhouse, a senior, finished out the scoring going undefeated in the two mile beating Melrose’s standout runner Tara O’Shea.
“She took the lead in the first lap and never looked back. I am really going to miss her next year,” said Barrett. “The amazing thing about this meet was the energy the kids had. Almost everyone that competed got a personal best. It was a phenomenal team effort and I am extremely proud of each and every one of my girls.
“It is a great accomplishment to go undefeated and win the title,” added Barrett. “They certainly deserve it.”
