4-0 shutout over Wilmington seals deal

Published February 8, 2019

By JENNIFER GENTILE

WILMINGTON—The Melrose High girls’ hockey team has punched their ticket to a postseason and remain in the running for a league title following a 4-0 shutout over Wilmington on Saturday, Feb. 2 at Ristuccia Arena. 

This is the first postseason appearance for new head coach Frank Sorrenti, who took the reigns this season. And the coach can’t be more pleased with their efforts. “Making the tournament was a primary goal this season, so we’re excited,” says Sorrenti. “I think the real heroes of this game were our defensemen. They just totally shut down the Wilmington offense. It was a dominant effort.” 

That includes Linnea Kelley, Marie Maher, Maggie O’Donnell, Sydney Kroon, Hannah Connolly, and goalie Courtney O’Connor, who posted a shutout at the net. Offensively, Melrose out-shot Wilmington 33-5 and held the Wildcats to just one shot in the first period.

THE MELROSE High girl’s hockey team is playoff bound after a 4-0 win over Wilmington. (Donna Larsson photo)

After a scoreless first period, Melrose scored two goals in the second behind Mckenzie Cerrato and Maggie Pierce. Maggie O’Donnell and Emily Crovo also found the net to make if a 4-0 blanking of the Wildcats. Offense hasn’t been much of a problem for Melrose, who has a handful of skaters leading in goals, which includes Cerrato with 16 goals, Emily Crovo with 10, Maggie Pierce with 9 and Maggie O’Donnell with 8.

Melrose also tied Winchester, 2-2, on January 30, earning a point towards playoff qualification. The Lady Raiders saw goals from Maggie Doyle and Maggie O’Donnell. “It was a very close game throughout,” says Sorrenti. “The pivotal moment was Maggie Doyle’s shorthanded goal. She intercepted a bad break out pass in the high slot and closed quickly. It was huge for our team.” 

As they prepare for playoffs, Melrose will focus on offensive “creativity”. Says Sorrenti, “That will help us to score more goals. We have also been working diligently on our defensive zone coverage, breakout strategy, net front presence and shooting accuracy.”

In order to capture a league title, Melrose will need to get past Stoneham on Wednesday (post deadline) who is ahead of them in standings by a game. Melrose tied the Spartans earlier in the season. Predicted the coach, “Our teams are evenly matched and it should be a great game.” 

Middlesex Freedom Standings

                    League   Overall 

Stoneham      8-3-1        8-5-2 

Melrose         7-3-2        9-4-2

Wakefield      5-6-1        6-8-1 

Wilmington    2-7-3        4-9-4 

Watertown    1-10-1       1-13-1 

Burlington     0-12-0       0-16-0