Duffy nearly breaks course record in Woburn win
Published September 20, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ cross country team came into 2019 with high expectations and didn’t fail on Tuesday, Sept. 17, when they kicked off their season at home at Greenwood Park and clinched a solid win over Woburn, sweeping the top five spots.
The big winner of the day was senior captain Katie Duffy, who ran the second-fastest time in course history (19.31) which is only bested by the current record holder, MHS alum Elizabeth Hirsch (18.51).
Duffy, coming off an injury from last season, has fought back admirably. “Katie is the perfect example of someone who rehabbed right,” says Melrose coach Nick Tuccinardi. “Doing it is a pain and not easy, but she’s better now than ever. She’s an All Star who loves to run and what she did today is a big testament to her talent and commitment.”
Melrose earned more points by sweeping the top spots behind the 2nd-5th finishes of Alex Cotugno, Charlotte Tysall, Jane Harrington and freshman Jillian Bakey.
THE MHS girl’s cross country may have relaxed during goat yoga but it was all business this week when they picked up a win over Woburn. (courtesy photo)
Tuccinardi is particularly impressed by Bakey, who made a strong high school debut. “To place and earn points for us in her first varsity race as a freshman is such a great achievement.”
It was a solid opener for Melrose, who had many runners experiencing their first-ever varsity race. They include Annabelle Lauzon, Dara Casey, Adrianna Centrella, Chloe Orcutt, Cece Murphy, Kate Sikkema, Sophia Weissman, Tobey Russell, Rachel Brooks, Isabel Vogel, and Jill Bakey.
And he also saluted new runners who competed in their first high school cross country meet: Kylie Wilwerth, Megan Bidgood, Ella Van Beever, Juliet Moore, Elaine Albuja, Lily Kavanaugh, Caroline Ward, Delainey Boyd, and Charlotte Corr.
Next week, Melrose will travel to Burlington on Sept. 24 for a Freedom League battle against Burlington. Race starts at 4:00 p.m.
