No place like home for 3-1 Red Raiders

Published in the October 2, 2015 edition

IT'S BEEN A season of wins for the Melrose High School golf team, who improve to 3-1 on the season. Pictured at a recent meet are members of team including, from left to right:Zach Farrell, Justin Crowley, Kyle Sikora, captain Sean Connolly, Michael Shea, Andrew Maguire, Zach Phipps, and captain Michael Luciano. Also pictured: Coach Rick McDermod (courtesy photo)

IT’S BEEN A season of wins for the Melrose High School golf team, who improve to 3-1 on the season. Pictured at a recent meet are members of team including, from left to right:Zach Farrell, Justin Crowley, Kyle Sikora, captain Sean Connolly, Michael Shea, Andrew Maguire, Zach Phipps, and captain Michael Luciano. Also pictured: Coach Rick McDermod (courtesy photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — The Melrose High golf team has led a quiet and stealthy campaign in their fall season, shooting their way to an overall 3-1 record, after a successful 2-1 week that saw the Raiders top league rivals, Watertown and Wakefield. It’s been a busy and quick season for the Raiders, who will compete this week in the Middlesex League shoot out on Thursday, Oct. 1 (post deadline), with a very rainy forecast ahead.

Having successfully beaten their league opponents Wilmington, Wakefield and Watertown, all eyes will be on their match against final league rival Burlington, whom they play on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at Billerica Country Club. And while home has been kind to the Raiders, who play comfortably at Bellevue Golf Club, coach Rick McDermod is hoping the Raiders maintain consistency so they can challenge Burlington (3-1, 2-0) on the road for a league title.

Melrose made that goal easier with a 40-32 win over Wakefield (3-3) last week at Bellevue Golf Course. Shooting in the number one spot for Melrose was Justin Crowley, who was just edged by David Melanson 5-4. Melrose, however, saw plenty of wins down the line. Mike Shea beat Wakefield senior Dylan Melanson 5.5-3.5 in the number two slot, while Sean Connolly was successful in the fourth spot taking a win over Tim Hurley, 6-3.

Melrose and Wakefield split their third spot, with Melrose’s Drew McGuire and Mike Guanci of Wakefield both taking 4.5 a piece. In the fifth spot Melrose Kyle Sikora beat Steven Melanson 5-4, and Stephen Marino lost to Zac Farrell, 6.5-2.5. Melrose’s Mike Luciano beat Austin Collard, 5-4, in the seventh spot. In the eight spot Zac Phipps was edged by senior Kevin Murphy 5.5-3.5. In the two alternate matches, Nick Markley prevailed over Justin Sullivan 5.5-3.5.

Melrose had a much easier time against Watertown on September 23 when they hosted the Raiders at Bellevue. Melrose took wins in all spots but the third (tied by Drew McGuire) behind shooting from Justin Crowley, Mike Shea, Sean Connolly, Kyle Sikora, Zac Farrell, Mike Luciano and Zac Phipps.

Three of Melrose’s top shooters will represent the Raiders at the the Middlesex League Shootout this Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:45 p.m. at the Bear Hill Golf Club (weather permitting). Melrose’s next home match is Oct. 7 at 3:30 when they host Belmont at Bellevue.

Remaining matches*

*home – Bellevue Golf Club

Thu. 10/1 3:30 p.m. @ Lexington

Tue. 10/6 3:30 p.m. @ Winchester (Tri-meet)

Wed. 10/7 3:30 p.m. vs. Belmont

Tue. 10/13 3:30 p.m. @ Burlington (Billerica CC)

Wed. 10/14 3:30 p.m. vs. Arlington