THE LEAGUE champ girls’ soccer team opens their season on Friday, Sept. 10 on the road in Arlington. (file photo)
League champs want to keep good times going
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ varsity soccer team returns after a historic 2020 run when they clinched the schools’ first-ever league title and compiled a record of 6-1-3, one of the best efforts of any modern MHS girls team.
Head coach Rob Mahoney returns with a roster of 22 athletes, including six senior starters sure to keep Melrose competitive in 2021. They include their senior captains Katherine Carney and Lucy Hannon, two defenders who are bound to bring their experience to the field and both key parts of Melrose’s league championship team.
“Last year’s team was something special,” says coach Mahoney. “I’d have liked to see where we would have gone if there were playoffs. But, we’re excited to be back and to play a full schedule with no restrictions.”
Melrose will look forward to a full schedule of 18, regular season games starting next week when they travel to Arlington on Friday, Sept. 10 for their season opener. Unlike last fall, there will be no limitation on opponents and travel, and this year there will be playoffs. Gone are the days when they had to wear masks in outdoor competition. It feels like all systems are a-go for the Red Raiders and they couldn’t be more ready.
Mahoney likes the team’s make up. “We have some strong returning starters that put us in a great position,” he says. “We also have some great underclass talent and new faces who give us a nice mix.”
Among those experienced players returning are Kailey Donovan, Shelagh Downes, Kate Hubbard, Hailey Keegan, Ally Maguire and Jenna Maguire. They are a great core who will help build much of the offense and defense. Look for attackers like Shelagh Downes, Jenna Maguire to help man offense while backs Katherine Carney, Lucy Hannon, Kailey Donovan and Ally Maguire will keep Melrose as defensive-minded as they were last fall during their historic run.
Returning sophomore goalie Ava Tormo will be well-equipped with her teammates presence in front of the net. Says her coach, “Ava has some great experience after last season and she’s young, still learning, with a high ceiling. And she’s got good defense in front of her.” Another player who may see some time at goalie is senior Meghan Strasnick.
Look for new players such as sophomore Kat Whisler and freshman Paige Crovo to see time on defense while sophomores Lily Nolan and Emily Lucien are sure to see time in the midfield. Returners Emily Giovanardi and Talia Hamberg have looked strong in early scrimmages while seniors Dana Miquilena and Sophia Ray will bring an upperclass leadership to the field. While it’s quite early in the season and there are scrimmages ahead, coach Mahoney sees lots of potential with this squad.
“This season we’re working with less restrictions, so now is the time to focus on things we couldn’t do last year, like head balls. And overall, we really want to focus on quick restarts. This season we will go back to playing Middlesex Large teams and we should have no fear of them. We will be competitive with anyone. Arlington will be a good test.”
The Red Raiders will travel to Arlington on Friday, Sept. 10 at 4:00 p.m. They open at home on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 4:00 p.m. at Pine Banks.
