With tough competition behind them, Melrose now 4-3

Published April 26, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team started their season on one of the toughest schedules in Eastern Mass, and after collecting four wins, are 4-3 going into league play this week. On Tuesday, they picked up a road win over Woburn, 18-3, hoping to set the tone as they battle Middlesex League rivals next week. 

Melrose took on unbeaten Central Catholic on April 18 and fell in a 6-5 heartbreaker. According to Melrose coach Matt James, it was a “frustrating” game, as their rival Raiders dominated possession and limited Melrose to 5 goals,  courtesy of experienced vets Brendan Fennell, Andy Calvert and Chris Cusolito. “We only had 8 possessions, and there is not much you can do with that,” says James. “They had a great goalie and made it difficult for us to get looks, so we could only learn from it and move on.” 

And they did, against the Woburn Tanners on the road Tuesday, when Melrose benefited from a ferocious second quarter scoring onslaught that saw the Red Raiders ding 9 points.

THE MELROSE Red Raider lacrosse team took a big 18-3 win over Woburn on Tuesday. (Steve Karampalas photo)

“Woburn is a good team that we usually battle close with,” said coach James. “Today, I was happy we won and did well offensively and defensively.”

Melrose scored off the efforts of nine different Red Raiders, including Brendan Fennell, Liam Maher and Andy Calvert, who all had three goals apiece, plus a first-ever varsity goal from DJ Darwin, who coach James credited. “He impressed in practices all week, just flew around and made the most of his time. He really won the ground ball game today and think he lit a fire under our other players.” 

Coach James also lauded Melrose’s defensive game, behind the work of Brendan Maher, Jake Rowe, Ryan Maher and Nolan Castergine. “Our defense was suffocating. These kids are young and really coachable. They work so well together, in many ways the whole is greater than the parts. In 3 games against tough competition, they’ve given up 18 goals. They’re doing great.” 

In order to continue their winning ways, coach James would like to see them continue to win the ground ball battle. “That’s been an area of focus for us and something we’ve been trying to make a priority. It makes a difference for us, and part of our losses against the ranked teams. But we have that behind us for now, and ready to get into the heart of the Middlesex League.”

Melrose will celebrate Senior Night next Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. against Belmont. Before that, look for the Red Radiers to travel to Stoneham on Tuesday for a 4:00 p.m. Freedom League battle.