Boys’ team earns a win over Wakefield
Published January 31, 2020
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider swim team had plenty of reason to celebrate on Thursday, January 23 when they hosted Senior Night at the Melrose YMCA and then swam to their first victory of the season in a 51-43 win over Wakefield/Lynnfield.
Among the seniors honored at the start of the meet were captains Devin McDaid, Gabe Monzon and Ethan Prospere, and fellow seniors Miles Delgreco, Cam White and James Frederick. Head coach Alex Pennachio led the celebration and thanked his seniors for making his first year as a coach such a smooth transition. Longtime coach Dick Whitworth (who retired this year) was in attendance and noted that several Red Raiders had been with him since they were freshmen and that it was tough to see them go.
Taking the plunge for Melrose over the night were Anderson Pham, Miles Delgreco, Will Burke, Jim Frederick, Nick Goodman, Gabe Monzon, Devin McDaid, Ethan Prospere, Ian Smith, Nick Sasso, Jonah Peers, Adam Drafts-Johnson and Cameron White.
MELROSE SENIORS honored prior to their victory over Lynnfield/Wakefield. Pictured from left: Coach Bryan Meegan, Miles Delgreco, Cam White, Devin McDaid, coach Richard Withworth, Gabe Monzon, James Frederick, Ethan Prospere, and coach Alex Pennachio. (courtesy photo
Lynnfield/Wakefield broke out early with an 18-8 lead after taking the top spot in the 200 medley relay and 200 free. But Melrose placed 2nd and 3rd in the 200 medley behind the work of Nick Goodman, Gabe Monzon, Devin McDaid (2nd) and Ethan Prospere and Anderson Pham, Miles Delgreco, Will Burke and James Frederick (3rd).
Melrose made up points in a major way in the 100 butterfly when Nick Goodman and Devin McDaid swept the event. Later, the duo would also sweep the 100 back that collectively gave Melrose 14 points in their favor. Melrose also earned big points in the 100 free thanks to Ian Smith and Ethan Prospere, while Melrose also earned wins in the 500 free on the work of Jonah Peters and Nick Sasso.
Tied at 42-42, victory was riding on the final event of the night: the 400 relay. The team of Ethan Prospere, Gabe Monzon, Nick Goodman, Nick Sasso took to the pool and pulled off their swim of the season, managing to get the win and securing a 51-43 victory for Melrose.
Between the win and honoring the senior legacy of Melrose swim, it was a well-enjoyed night for all.
Melrose looks to make a splash this week at the Middlesex League Meet that takes place on Wednesday (post deadline) at Bentley University.
