THE MELROSE High field hockey team picked up their first win of the season over rival Wakefield. (Jennifer Gentile photo)

 

 

After press time:
Melrose falls to Stoneham (Sept. 20)
Melrose ties Wilmington 0-0 (Sept. 18)

 

 

Published September 20, 2024

3-1 victory is Melrose’s first of the season

By JENNIFER GENTILE

WAKEFIELD—For new Melrose High field hockey head coach Olivia Cameron, having to pair off against her own alma mater, Wakefield High, made Sept. 13 a must-see game on the road at Landrigan Field. And fortunately for her and the Melrose field hockey team, they picked up an exciting 3-1 win over the Warriors, Melrose’s first win of the season.

They followed that up with a super competitive battle (2-1 loss) against league rival Burlington this week. It marks a moment of improvement in the season and they hope to keep it going as they continue ML Freedom play this week.

“Beating Wakefield was so exciting for sure, especially because it was our first win as a team this season,” says coach Cameron. “Playing against Wakefield was nostalgic because I grew up there and played for Luca who is still the coach—but winning was an added bonus.”

Melrose benefitted from scoring from Sophia Sullivan, Mary Atkinson and Alex Zaino. They took command despite a slow start to the game. “We started off slower than usual and I called an early timeout to really check in and see where everyone was at. After that, they really picked it up and started playing as a team,” says Cameron.

Sullivan found the box first for Melrose shortly after a Wakefield score. “Sophia’s goal was a much needed and really got the team going,” notes her coach.

Atkinston’s goal came during a corner and it was a beautiful straight shot right into the backboard. “This goal was HUGE because it put us in the lead,” says Cameron.

And the bonus goal was scored by Alex Zaino on a penalty shot towards the end of the game. “We got a stroke and Alex is one of our strongest shooters so it was a no brainer for her to take it. She scored bottom right and the energy from the field and the bench was incredible!” says the coach.

The coach credits Wakefield for a competitive effort. “They were a great team and had a handful of talented players.”

She also is proud of Melrose’s defense, in particular Elena Fuentes as goalie, who had 11 saves against Wakefield. “In our first week of games, we played some very talented teams, and Elena was faced with 15-20 shots a game. I was confident in her performance going into Wakefield. She is such a strong goalie for us and the girls trust her and she trusts them.”

Overall, it was a collective team effort to get the job done. “At the end of the day, it was so clear how badly the girls wanted to win this game and that was special to see them play for each other,” says the coach.

On Monday, Melrose battled to a competitive 2-1 loss to the Burlington Red Devils. Scoring Melrose’s lone goal was Anna Sullivan who was first on the board for both teams. “Anna had a beautiful goal at the beginning of the game and it was a great way to start the game. Both Anna and Sophia Sullivan have a great way of finding the back of the net during games.”

“It was definitely a tough loss, but I was really proud of them. Unfortunately, Burlington came back and scored 2 more and we held them there till the end. I know we can come out on top next time.”

The coach is also excited to share that the junior varsity team won their game against Burlington, 3-0, with goals from Zoe Blackburn, Anna Sullivan and Brynn Baker.