Played Acton Boxboro on Wed. in tourney opener
Published in the March 4, 2016 edition
THE MELROSE Lady Raider hockey team begin playoff action this week. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — The Melrose Lady Raider hockey team are entering the Div. 1 North playoffs in great shape at 12-8 after back-to-back season finale wins against Bishop Fenwick and Medford. Having scored 13 goals in two games, the Lady Raiders are hoping their offense will remain hot as they begin preliminary round play.
At press time, 15th seeded Melrose was hosting 18th seeded Acton-Boxborough (10-7-4) in the preliminary round of the Div. 1 playoffs at Stoneham Arena on Wednesday, March 2 (post deadline).
We spoke to coaches Sam Tetreau and assistant Melissa Tetreau, who feel Melrose will be ready when they face the Colonials.
“We’ve had a bit of an advantage playing a tough stretch of schedule toward the end of the season,” says Melissa Tetreau. “It helps us raise our game. We’re growing as a team and the repetition of practice has helped us.” As for their late-season winning streak? “It’s a good time to peak,” admits Tetreau.
Melrose will rely on their two leading scorers, Rachel DiFraia and Sam Kroon, for their offensive contributions. Melrose’s goalie, Courtney O’Connor remains a reliable presence for the Lady Raiders. “She’s a freshman and keeps getting better, it’s a tough job and she’s great about wanting to improve too,” says the coach.
Only a year ago the the Colonials went all the way to the TD Garden for a Div. 1 State final where they fell to Reading. Despite losing some seniors, they bring to the ice their current leading scorer Megan Barrett and returning goalie, Cali LoBlundo. The Colonials are, however, a fairly young team who roster both 7th and 8th graders. In preparation for playoffs, Melrose will continue to focus on “the little things,” according to Tetreau.
The winner will face Austin Prep (18-2) a notoriously tough team (but familiar) opponent for Melrose, who fell to them in a close playoff game in 2015. That game could be scheduled as early as Friday or Saturday (fans are encouraged to visit www.miaa.net for details).
One thing is for certain, Melrose is not intimated by the opposition. According to the coach, “It’s one game at a time. And if we win, great, bring on Austin Prep.”
Div. 1 Bracket
1. Arlington Catholic (17-1-1).921
2. Austin Prep (18-2-0) .888
3. Needham (16-1-4).857
4. Billerica (14-3-3) .775
5. Woburn (17-5-0) .772
6. Haverhill/NA/Pent (12-2-6) .750
7. Beverly/Danvers (16-5-1).750
8. Quincy/N.Quincy (13-4-3) .725
9. Duxbury (13-5-3).690
10. Arlington (13-6-1) .675
11. Lexington (13-6-1) .675
12. Reading (13-7-1) .642
13. Westford Acad (10-5-5) .625
14. Hingham (13-8-1).613
15. Melrose (12-8-0) .600
16. Masconomet (11-7-2).600
17. Barnstable (10-7-3) .575
18. Acton Boxboro (10-7-4) .571
19. Brookline/Newton S. (10-7-5).568
20. Winthrop/Lynn (9-7-2).555
21. Franklin (10-8-2) .550
22. St. Mary’s (10-9-3).522
23. Boston Latin (9-9-2) .500
24. Braintree (6-11-3) .375
25. Andover (6-12-2) .350
