Melrose kicks off 2020 with a 2-1 win over Stoneham
Published October 9, 2020
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High varsity field hockey team kicked off their 2020 season in the best way: with a convincing 3-1 opening day win over Stoneham last Saturday at Stoneham High.
Melrose, at 1-0, is feeling pretty good about their efforts in their early season.
According to coach Erin Parker, they’re just grateful to be out there playing the sport they love. “We talked about identifying our core values this season and one thing that came up was gratitude,” she said. “We’re thankful that we’re out there on the field competing in a safe environment. We know it could change any minute.”
The team has had to readjust how they play the game thanks to the MIAA COVID-19 Task Force guidelines, which, among other things, requires players to wear masks. Specific play guidelines include limiting of the number of players on the field (7 v 7), no penalty corners, and during free hits all players must be 5 yards away. Plus, the removal of bullies (faceoffs) in favor of alternating possession.
If their season opener was any indication, the guidelines haven’t prevented Melrose from playing the game the way they know how to, and successfully. Melrose never trailed in their 3-1 win over the Spartans, a team they beat and tied last fall. And it wasn’t until the fourth quarter that Stoneham got on the board. Leading Melrose in scoring was Catherine McCarron with two goals. It was an impressive performance for the senior. “Catherine’s really come along and is stepping up big,” says her coach. McCarron’s goals were assisted by Kalina Piasecki and Sydney Kroon. Scoring Melrose’s second goal of the game was Kroon.
Leading the team as captains this season are McCarron, Lizzie Casey, Morgan Maiani and goalie Brianna Stanton. Coach Parker credited Stanton for another strong effort at the net on Saturday. “Brianna picked up where she left off last year. She had 7 saves in the game and was really vocal for us out there. We expect another great season from her.”
Returning players this season include Alexis O’Brien, Kalina Piasecki, Sydney Kroon, Meghan Maher, Erin Sampson, Anna Mackey, Meghan Rigby, Megan Casey, Caeleigh Corolla and Bella Scacchi. Among the forwards expected to be in the scoring mix are McCarron, Kroon and Piasecki. On defense, look for sisters Megan and Lizzie Casey to handle a lot. Coach Parker points to the strong efforts of Caeleigh Corolla, who got several minutes on Saturday. “She’s new to defense but really stepping up. Her stick skills are strong and she’s got very controlled passes.” With a more open field of play space, count on middles like Anna Mackey and Meghan Maher to be in command.
When asked how the game has changed with the guidelines, coach Parker indicates that the intensity of the game has increased. “There is more room to cover for the girls, since it’s 7 v. 7, so that means they are moving more and working harder. It’s become more of a defensive game too with no corners allowed. But, I didn’t see them playing much differently as they normally do. It’s nice to see that the integrity of the game remains.”
This season they will compete against their five Middlesex Freedom league rivals twice, in succession. That means two bouts with powerhouse Watertown, whose crown has been knocked off in recent seasons. There is no reason to think Melrose can’t give them a threat. Says Parker, “There are many comparable teams in this league and I think we can compete with any one of them.”
The most important part is that they’re playing. Says the coach, “We’re playing every game like it’s the last.”
