Clinches state tournament berth in process with 41-31 triumph
DAVID MELANSON, a sophomore, had a sensational outing yesterday afternoon at the Thomson Country Club in Wakefield’s non-league match against Winthrop. Melanson played at number three and shot a 35 for one under par. The sophomore posted a 7.5-1.5 win as the Warriors went on to defeat the Vikings and clinch a state tournament berth. (Donna Larsson Photo)
NORTH READING — Playing at the Thomson Country Club in North Reading has been a tremendous advantage for the Warrior golf team this season. Yesterday against Winthrop in a non-league match, Wakefield not only got its revenge against the Vikings but it also clinched a state tournament berth with a 41-31 triumph.
Wakefield increased its overall record to 9-3-1 on the season and is 5-2 in the Middlesex League Freedom division. The Warriors also avenged a 37.5-34.5 loss to Winthrop earlier this season at the Winchester Country Club.
“We got a little revenge with the 41-31 victory,” said Coach Dennis Bisso. “It was a tough day with the mist but both teams were able to prevail and play through it. The match didn’t get over until it was dark out. There were some great performances.”
At number one, junior co-captain, Dylan Melanson edged out his foe, 5-4.
Senior co-captain Kevin Lamattina ran into a tough player at the second spot and dropped a 6.5-2.5 decision.
At three, David Melanson, a sophomore, had a sensational outing. Melanson shot a 35 for one under par as he posted a 7.5-1.5 triumph. It was the best round of any Wakefield golfer in any match this season.
Sophomore Mike Guanci kept up his consistent play at number four as he posted a 5.5-3.5 victory.
At the fifth position, sophomore Tim Hurley lost. However, Hurley kept the match close and lost by a 5.5-3.5 tally.
Austin Collard, a sophomore, had another solid contest as he pulled out a 5-4 decision at number six.
The seventh spot is where the outcome was decided. Steven Melanson, a junior, came up big as he recorded an 8-1 triumph. That point total helped put the Warriors over the top.
At eight, junior Stephen Marino was edged, 5-4.
There were two alternate matches as well. At number nine, sophomore Justin Sullivan halved his match, 4.5-4.5. At 10, junior Kevin Murray prevailed 6.5-2.5.
“We qualified for the Div. 2 North Tournament with five matches to go,” said Bisso. “Our first goal was to make the state tournament and we’ve reach that. We have some big matches over the next two weeks. The first is a big match against Belmont on Wednesday at Bear Hill.”
The Warriors host the Marauders at 3:15 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon at their other home course, the Bear Hill Golf Club.
The Middlesex League Shootout will also be held at the Bear HIll Golf Club on Thursday morning beginning at 7:45 a.m. The top three golfers from each team will play 18 holes and there will be individual scores and team scores kept.
The three Wakefield representatives will be Dylan Melanson at number one, Lamattina at two and David Melanson at the third spot.
