Recent efforts from Melrose show spark

Published in the September 28, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider field hockey team is searching for wins as they continue their first round of league play, and on Friday, Sept. 21, they hosted perennial state champ Watertown at Pine Banks in Melrose and fell 6-0, but not without admirable defensive stands. 

Virtually every opponent in Massachusetts has the pleasure of losing to Watertown each season usually by 5+ goals.  But for Melrose head coach Erin Parker, a strong first half by Melrose showed what the Lady Raider team was really about. Astoundingly, Melrose goalie Briana Stanton, and members of Lady Raider defense, only allowed one Watertown goal in the first half. 

“I was very proud of the girls for being competitive from the moment the whistle blew,” says the coach. “This was a small win for us.” 

DEFENSE HAS been the calling card for the Melrose High field hockey team, who continue league play this week. Pictured is senior Lizzie Carson.

Things shifted in the second half for Melrose. Watertown became Watertown and Melrose saw that lead increase. Says Parker,  “I think that after the second goal we lost confidence, which was a major factor in letting in so many more goals in the second half. If you give Watertown an opening, they are going to take it.”

But Melrose’s defense has shined in recent play. Barring Watertown, Melrose has only allowed 3 goals in five games, including a shutout over Middlesex Large team, Woburn. Much of that credit goes to the strong play from the goalie, Brianna Stanton. “She has exceeded my expectations so far this season,” says Parker. “She was also someone who took the initiative to increase her knowledge and skills this summer by working with a goalie coach. She is a sophomore and I am very grateful that I get her for two more years.”

While Melrose has been unsuccessful finding the net in recent outings, generating offense is something Parker will focus on in the coming days. “It takes an incredible amount of practice to be able to beat people one-on-one. Lizzie Carson was the most impressive improvement in individual skill alone and that came from her offseason commitment. We’re still looking for snipers in the circle who can put the ball in the net. I hope everyone scores because once you know that feeling, you will work harder for it.”

If Melrose is able to hit the right spot between offense and defense, it will certainly result in more wins. But it’s going to require work. Says the coach, “We need to keep developing individual skills in the circle and be creative in our attacking 50 yards to move the ball into the circle. If our defense continues to hold teams to 1 goal, then increasing our offensive power is key. But I love the energy we are bringing to practice. I know we will see improvements.”

Melrose will travel to Wakefield on Wednesday (post-deadline) looking to pick up a victory over the Warriors. On Friday, they host Burlington at home at 4:00 p.m. at Pine Banks.