7-0 shutout over Stoneham a key league win

Published September 20, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose High field hockey team has already collected two wins in their early 2019 campaign, thanks to a 7-0 blanking against Stoneham on Friday, Sept. 14 on the road. 

Melrose enjoyed an abundance of scoring and some strong defense. Despite the lopsided score, Melrose coach Erin Parker gave Stoneham credit. 

“Stoneham in the past relied has on their power an sure enough they were tough,” says Parker. “Part of that style came from playing on grass I believe. That said, we are at the next level this year. We all understand that the expectation is that we are making the tournament. From there, anything can happen.”

The Melrose High field hockey team enjoyed a 7-0 shutout against Stoneham, their second win this season. (file photo)

Melrose was certainly in good hands with Brianna Stanton the net. The goalie powered her way to a shutout. “Brianna has exceeded my expectations in goal this year,” says the coach. “She is so coachable and continuously improves. She is vocal, quick, and gives 100% every moment.”

Overall, Melrose’s defense really did the job. In Parker’s estimation it was a collective effort. “I can’t really pick out a person. We play defense as a unit. It’s not man to man. It’s constant rotation and communication. So our success really depends on their communication as a group.”

Finding the net for Melrose was Kalina Piasecki (2 goals), and one apiece for Nora Daly, Morgan Maiani and Meghan Maher.

Pleased with the win, Parker also expressed the importance of maintaining focus in a lopsided situation. “I told them after the game that they need to make sure and play their best no matter who is across from them. I had to call a time out in the first half because we were up 1-0 but weren’t playing our best. Every game is different and requires a special mindset. I also told them to enjoy the benefits of their hard work. I think we scored more in that game then we did all season last year.”

At 2-2 Melrose is in a comfortable position in the Freedom League. That gargantuan opponent Watertown will almost always be on top, but Melrose plans to battle for a postseason too. 

“We have to continue working on our individual skills,” says the coach. “I truly believe we are a smart team who understands the game at a high level. Sometimes, we want to attack a certain way but our skill is off. The idea is good but execution can be better. And I think that’s a good place to be.”

Melrose hosts Wakefield on Friday at Pine Banks at 4:00 p.m.