Seniors also honored during Senior Night
Published October 18, 2019
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girl’s field hockey team had plenty of reason to celebrate over the last week when they picked up a non league win over Saugus and then celebrated Senior Night during their game against Watertown on Oct. 14 at home.
According to coach Erin Parker, an improvement on defense has made a difference in play. That showed during their 4-0 shutout over Saugus on Oct. 10 at home. It was a nice blend of defensive effort and scoring for Melrose, who saw players Courtney Borstel, Brooke Borstel and Kalina Piasecki find the net. “We did a good job limiting shots and finding the net,” says the coach.
On Monday, Melrose hosted perpetual state champs Watertown and prior to the game celebrated Senior Day. Honored were outgoing upperclassmen Courtney Borstel, Brooke Borstel, Nora Daley, Dagny Frankenthaler, Emma Munro, Sophie Brennan, Cindy Zhu, Taylor Heidebrecht, Sara Maguire and Sam Chabot.
MHS FIELD hockey seniors were honored on Senior Night. Pictured top row left: Cindy Zhu, Emma Munro, Sophie Brennan, Courtney Borstel, Sara Maguire, Brooke Borstel. Bottom row: Taylor Heidebrecht, Dagny Frakenthaler, Nora Daly and Sam Chabot.
Says coach Parker, “We enjoy a friendly rivalry with Watertown and often honor our seniors during these games. We used the event to raise money to fundraise for pediatric cancer awareness.”
Melrose fought an intense first half, denying scoring opportunities against a team who normally beats opponents 6-0. Melrose limited Watertown to a 0-0 deadline at halftime, which was no small feat. Parker saluted the effort. “I’ve been really focusing on preventing easy goals, to pressure the ball well and prevent shooting. A team like Watertown, when they shoot they score. We helped limit that.”
Watertown came out guns blazing after the half and finished the job for a 4-0 win, but Melrose still had their best showing against their rival Raiders in years. “I’m just really happy of the effort defensively,” says the coach. “Sam Chabot our sweeper made a big difference and our goalie Briana Stanton must have had 20 saves. Emma Munroe and Anna Mackey really stepped up too.”
Fans of all ages enjoyed their annual Alumni Game held over the weekend. Over 20 former Lady Raiders were on hand to battle the current varsity team. The winner were the youngsters but what a day for all. “We had a great crowd and raised more money for our charity,” confirms the coach.
At 3-9-1, the team has their work cut out to make playoffs, but picking up some key league wins in the coming weeks will help make this season a successful one. “They won’t be easy games,” says Parker. “Stoneham, on the grass, is an adjustment. And Wakefield is having a great season. But if we keep limiting goals and keep our offense going, we will do well.”
Melrose will travel to Wakefield this week before hosting Burlington on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. at Pine Banks.
