Melrose falls to top ranked Belmont, 57-43

Published in the January 26, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider basketball team had their work cut out for them when they hosted top ranked Belmont (8-1, 7-0) at home Tuesday night. Despite a game high 20 points from Melrose’s Alexis Doherty, the Marauders prevailed, 57-43. 

PERI MACDONALD goes for a layup during Melrose’s 57-43 loss to Belmont. (Donna Larsson photo)

Melrose kept it a 10-point game for most of the contest thanks to the offensive work of Doherty, Peri McDonald and Sam Dewey (14 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks) but Belmont proved an exceptional team, executing shots and passes with great precision. Melrose had to contend with a tough Belmont duo in Jane Mahon and Megan Tan. The junior Tan had nine first quarter points to give Belmont a 15-6 lead after the first.

Melrose started fast in the game with tremendous defense from Lily Cuningham, a trey by Alexis Doherty and a layup that drew a foul from Doherty. But Melrose went scoreless in the last three minutes of the quarter and lost their 6-5 lead. By the second quarter Belmont fired on all cylinders. Maiya Bergdorf shot a three pointer to start the quarter and Jane Mahon extended that lead to 22-13, despite some charged play by Melrose’s Peri MacDonald and Sam Dewey. Melrose’s Emily Hudson drew a foul on an impressive layup and MacDonald closed the first half with a basket that made it 35-21 at the half. 

Doherty had a powerful third quarter, posting ten points, including two treys, while Dewey proved a menace under the basket, swatting away Maurader shot attempts. Peri MacDonald helped generate offense with numerous assists and Melrose pulled to 44-33 shortly before the third ended. 

Both teams scored ten points in the fourth. Melrose behind the shooting of Dohety, Dewey and MacDonald, while Melrose defense looked sharp, forcing the shot clock on Belmont twice. But the Mauraders had too many weapons and finished the job off, 57-43. 

Melrose can breath easy with the loss given their 40-29 win over Burlington last Friday night at home. (details were not available at press time) At 7-3 Melrose is still preparing for a likely playoff season. 

They hit the road tonight to battle the Reading Rockets (5-6). Game time is at 7:00 p.m. 

Middlesex Freedom League Standings

Wakefield       9-0     11-0

Melrose          5-3      7-3

Wilmington     4-3      4-3

Burlington       2-6      2-6

Stoneham      1-7       2-7

Watertown     1-7      1-7