MATTHEW FUCCIONE (front) and Mike Thomas will be among those representing Melrose at the annual Middlesex League Shootout next week. (file photo)

 

 

 

After press time:
Melrose falls to Burlington (Sept. 27)
Melrose falls to Reading 40-32 (Sept. 24)
Melrose defeats Danvers 39-33 (Sept. 20)
Melrose falls to Winchester 25-46 (Sept. 18)

 

 

Published September 20, 2024

Team remains 2-1 in Freedom League

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—If there is any team that is enjoying this stretch of sunny weather it’s the MHS golf team, who are taking advantage of Mother Nature with an uninterrupted stretch of matches that have them 2-2 on the season and 2-1 in league play.

They’ve enjoyed two Freedom wins over Watertown (a season opening 46-26 victory) and a more recent win over Stoneham, 43.5-28.5, on Sept. 9. It was a top to bottom strong effort for the entire team against the Spartans.

“It was a beautiful day for golf and each one of our shooters did well,” reports coach Rick McDermod. “It was tight to start, but after three holes we were able to put it together and pull ahead. Stoneham is a young team.”

Leading Melrose to victory were winners Matthew Fuccione, Noah Fay and Mike Thomas, the team’s 1-3 who will also represent Melrose at the 2024 Middlesex League Shoot Out on Sept. 26 at Bear Hill Country Club.

Also picking up wins on the day were Ben Kavanaugh, Aiden Ryan, Dylan Harrington, Colin Cote, Justin Santoriello, while Ray Willis tied in his #10 match.

On Sept. 11 Melrose fell to Lexington 40-32, a close and competitive effort.

“It was not a bad effort,” says the coach. He points to a highlight being a win by Tanner Kovacs and a tie at the top spot by Matthew Fuccione.

“The top spots are the most challenging and you often get your money at the bottom of the lineup, so to speak. So for him to tie a Lexington #1 was a good effort.”

At 2-2 (2-1 league) Melrose will get a better chance to see where they fit in in the league when they compete against Burlington, who is showing signs of strength this fall. “We play them later this month on the road which might be a challenge,” says McDermod.

Melrose will have four home match dates at Bellevue on the calendar starting on Sept. 26 and concluding on Oct. 7, which will give friends and family a chance to see them up close.

The always exciting Middlesex League Shoot out on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 9:00 a.m. at Bear Hill Country Club. Melrose historically does well at the shoot out and often takes top sports in the ML Freedom. The team hopes history will repeat itself next week. Stay tuned.