League winners return to the green
Published September 13, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High golf team has returned to its fall season looking to fight once again for another Middlesex League title.
It was a very successful season for Melrose last year as they clinched the Middlesex Freedom League after finishing 6-3-2. It was their second Middlesex Freedom League title since 2014. Melrose’s overall record of 7-3-2 was one of the strongest they’ve finished in several years. Melrose also qualified for and competed in the Div. 2 North tournament. Representing Melrose were Will Pierce, Quinn McCarthy, Sean Senior, Tom Brodeur and Tim Healy. All these top shooters return and will be counted on to lead the Red Raiders to a competitive season.
One year ago, Melrose coach Rick McDermod spoke of the valuable experience his players gained while competing against the best at the North finals. “I told our underclassman to consider this a learning experience, and, for our seniors, a way to cap off their careers.”
WILL PIERCE is the #1 shooter on the MHS golf team this season. (file photo)
Now, the team is back and have opened their season against stiff competition. They traveled to Lexington Country Club in a thunderstorm and played a match that was called early and fell in a fairly close result, 34.5-29.5. They also faced Winchester last week but fell 39.5-32.5. Melrose’s #1 shooter Will Pierce had the thankless job of going against Winchester’s Trevor Lopez, a recent runner up in the Massachusetts Junior Amateur Championship. Despite the outcome, McDermod was pleased with their efforts. “They knew they were starting off against two of the toughest teams out there, but they played close, so I was pleased.”
The Red Radiers will be led by solo captain, senior Tim Healey, currently a #4 shooter on the team. While it’s early in the season so far the rotation at the top includes Will Pierce (junior), Sean Senior (junior), Quinn McCarthy (junior) and Healey. Expect Brian Healey, Tom Brodeur, Matt Lynch, Anthony DelGenio and Liam Gage to battle for the next spots in the rotation.
McDermod contends that what he lacks in numbers he makes up for in depth. “This is a solid nucleus that I am happy with.”
While Pierce, Goodwin and Senior will be counted to lead Melrose at the top, look for players like Brodeur and Tim Healey to be big factors this year. Both return experienced from last year’s playoff appearance. “Tom is a player who is only going to get better as the season goes by, he’s got big potential, and Tim Healey’s golf IQ is a big advantage. He’s always prepared. Sean Senior is a coming off big offseason of workouts. He had a great tryout. And It’s also a nice addition to have Brian Healey on the team. “
Now that they’ve gotten a taste of winning, the team is aiming to repeat their league title.
Says the coach, “Last year we won the league and advanced to States that’s something we want to repeat. This team knows what it takes, they know their job. Getting out feet wet last year prepared us to come back and do it again.”
