Recently tested by Boston College, Exeter

MAX KLEINBUB looks for an open man during Melrose’s recent home game against Exeter. (photo by Grace Gentile)

 

 

After press time: Melrose defeats Wakefield 11-5 (April 24)

 

 

By JENNIFER GENTILE

N. ANDOVER—The Melrose High boy’s lacrosse team spent much of their April break clashing against some of the best high school lacrosse teams in the state. 

And while Melrose (2-7) has been on the losing end of the stick, its worth noting that half the team’s they played have been ranked in the top 12 teams in Massachusetts. That strength of schedule should be reflected in the spring MIAA power rankings, the first of which will be released on Friday. That should give Melrose a general idea where they fall in the mix of competitive Div. 2 teams.

“We’ve competed in every game,” says Melrose head coach Matt James. “The scores are a little lopsided but that was more about the end of the game than the performance on the field. I’m really happy with how the guys are playing.”

Recently, Melrose competed in the Players Cup Tournament at North Andover High and despite losing to two top teams, they had a very close game against North Andover, falling just 11-8. 

“North Andover was very good,” said coach James. “They were a solid team but I think we could have done a little better.”

He credited senior captain Michael Fuccione for a solid outing at goalie. “Michael had a great game and a great week in net. He’s been awesome and a huge part of our progress.” 

Melrose faced a big challenge the next day when they took on Boston College High in a 14-4 loss. They more than held their own in the first half, down just two goals most of the game. “We played a great first half and just couldn’t keep it going,” notes the coach. 

Melrose freshman Phinn Alpers was quite impressive, scoring three of Melrose’s 4 goals, with the other courtesy of Nick Hitchman. 

Once again, Fuccione came up big at net with 18 saves. Says coach James, “The effort and growth in the first half was something we’re really happy with. We had some good progress in this game that led to getting closer to putting it all together.”

 

THE MHS boy’s lacrosse team enters Middlesex Freedom play in an important stretch of schedule this week. (photo by Grace Gentile)

Playing this top contending teams such as BC High not only adds value power-ranking wise, but it also provides teachable areas for improvement. 

“The best part about this week is that you see where you need to improve and what flaws you have,” says James. “You also go against teams that are as deep and well-put-together as you’re going to see. It really helps prep for the league play.” 

Indeed, with many non league games behind them, Melrose will dive back into Middlesex League games this week, which should see its win tally increase by a lot. And as they reach the halfway part of the season, they will zero in on an upcoming game against archrival Wakefield. At press time, it was scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at Wakefield High. 

The infamous rivalry has seen both teams play spoiler to the other when it comes to league titles and playoff advancement. But Melrose is equipped with the right kind of offensive weapons. Junior Nick Hitchman leads Melrose in scoring with 12 goals, followed closely by Max Klienbub, who has 10 and Finn Alpers who has 9. 

On defense, Melrose has enjoyed some nice work from new underclassmen, freshman Milo Mujalli and sophomore Dylan Mestjian. “They’re really coming into their own and taking away the best players on the other team,” says the coach. 

“This Wakefield game should be a good one,” predicts James. “We’ve gotten better the last two weeks and we’ll find out if the schedule we play helped prep us for this game. I have high expectations.” 

Melrose also hosts Arlington this Friday, April 26, at home at 4:30 p.m.