Late start for Melrose results in 14-10 loss
Published July 2, 2021
By MARIA O’DONNELL
READING—After an exciting season for the Melrose Red Raider boys’ lacrosse team, it came to a close on Wednesday, June 23 during the MIAA Division 2 North Semifinal game against the undefeated Reading Rockets on the road at Reading High. Despite Reading (13-0) jumping out to an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter, the third seeded Red Raiders did not give up and they fought until the very end to shorten the lead, but fell to the second seeded Rockets 14-10. The Middlesex League Freedom champs end their spring season at 12-2.
Reading came out extremely strong in the first half, forcing Melrose’s midfielders to run all over the field. Although a 7-0 deficit may sound insurmountable, Melrose held their heads high and focused on scoring the next goal. Melrose senior captain Matt Dussault broke the ice for Melrose early in the second quarter. The Red Raiders had earned a one-man advantage and Dussault successfully drew in a defender before firing a blast into the Reading net, bringing the score to 7-1.
Melrose head coach Matt James emphasized the strengths of the senior midfielder, who has the ability to help in multiple areas on the field, along with co-captain Brendan Fennell. Says James, “We had Matt take some face-offs for us that kind of slowed them down a little. Matt Dussault and Brendan Fennell, I think those two guys were incredible.”
Reading went on another quick scoring spurt with three quick goals, but Melrose junior Brady Pitcher was able to sneak in a diving goal after a quick pass from Fennell to make the score 10-2 at the half. Melrose battled in the third quarter, and from the constant pressure of the Red Raider defense led by Ryan Maher and the loud cheering of the fans crowded around the field, it did not feel like Melrose was down eight goals.
Fennell battled offensively to keep his team engaged, as Liam Maher and Brady Pitcher fought for every loose ball. It was a battle between the senior attackers in the second half, as Fennell and Reading’s Matt Blasi traded goal for goal, both notching two goals in the third. When speaking about Fennell’s efforts, Melrose head coach Matt James had nothing but praise for his senior captain. “Brendan Fennell was unreal. He kept fighting offensively to keep everyone in it.” For his first goal, Fennell used his athleticism to draw in two defenders before firing a quick shot past Reading goalie Finn Granara’s left foot. He followed this with a diving shot, sneaking up on Granara again.
The fourth quarter was a true testament to the strength of the Red Raider squad. Entering the quarter down 13-4, Melrose held Reading to one goal in the fourth while scoring six of their own. “I think it showed the character of the kids,” says coach James.
A quick pass from Matt Frawley to Fennell early in the fourth brought Melrose one goal closer to reaching the Rockets. Soon after, Liam Maher sent a perfect pass to teammate Stephen Fogarty, who fired it past Granara with a little less than eight minutes remaining. Reading’s Blasi followed this with a beautiful goal and final tally for the Rockets, bringing the score to 14-6.
Then came the tenacious Brady Pitcher, who scored with seven minutes left, earning an eruption of cheers from the Melrose cheering section. The atmosphere started to change on the field, as it felt like Melrose had a chance, but it was going to be a race against the clock.
Soon followed Fennell with his fourth goal and Liam Maher with his first, bringing the score to 14-9. In the final thirty seconds, Pitcher would score his third goal to bring Melrose within four, showing the true determination and grit of the Melrose team.
Although the Red Raiders did not come out with the win, Coach James expressed how proud he was of his team. “To be down and then fight back and come back and still have a chance at the end I think that’s something that I will look back on and it’ll weigh more than the loss,” says James. “That was my biggest takeaway. To not give up and to not get down…the power to be positive in a fight.”
Say goodbye this season are Melrose seniors Anthony DelGenio, Liam Whelan, Jake Rowe, Andy Vargas, Frank Capaldo and captains Brendan Fennell, Will Brandon, Ryan Maher and Matt Dussault.
