JUNIOR RUNNERS (from left) Isabel Vogel, Lily Kavanaugh, Jillian Bakey, Juliet Moore and Elaine Albuja helped Melrose take the top spot in the junior race at the annual Frank Mooney Invitational. (courtesy photo)
Jillian Bakey nabs 1st place in Jr. team race
By JENNIFER GENTILE
WRENTHAM—The Melrose High girls cross country pulled off a big day at the Frank Mooney Invitational on Sat. Nov 6 at the Wrentham Developmental Center, when they upset the field of runners in the 11th grade race by taking first place, thanks in part to a first place finish by junior standout Jillian Bakey, who beat a field of 109 runners. Bakey bested all competition with a time of 19:37, edging her closest opponent Alyssa Rosano of Methuen by a good three seconds.
She was in great company. Melrose was also fueled from top place finishes by teammates Lily Kavanaugh (medaled in 11th at 20:37), Juliet Moore (medaled at 21:09), Isabel Vogel, Elaine Albuja, and Caroline Ward. Melrose earned 69 points good enough to top the field, including teams such as Arlington, Milton and Newton North.
But Melrose’s seniors also shined. Senior captain Charlotte Tysall medaled in 12th place with a time of 20:20. Teammates Katie Sikkema, Sofia Weissman, Rachel Brooks and Toby Russell also had solid runs in the day. Freshman Maizie Frakt medaled in the freshman race with a 10th place finish. Looking sharp in the sophomore race was Addeline Lawler, Ava Piccone and Marina Carrieri.
This weekend Melrose will compete in the Div. 2A State Finals at the Gardner Golf Course on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Representing Melrose will be Elaine Albuja Jillian Bakey, Maizie Frakt, Lily Kavanaugh, Addeline Lawlor, Juliet Moore, Darby Thompson, Charlotte Tysall, and Isabel Vogel.
Representing Melrose on the boys side will be Caleb Barnes, Emerson Blanchard, Ryan Cotugno, Ben Donovan, Will Duggan, Matt Fox, Ellis lourilli-Hough, Stone Liu, Nick Sasso and Peter Story.
Stay tuned.
