Published in the September 29, 2017 edition
MELROSE GIRLS soccer took a key league win over Wakefield on Tuesday, 2-1. Pictured is Melrose’s Maggie Sullivan. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider soccer team left everything on the field on Tuesday night during their 2-1 league win over rival Wakefield at Galvin Middle School in Wakefield. Melrose (2-4) took an early lead of 2-0 and held on during the second half to secure their second win of the season.
“It was a good game and I was impressed with their efforts,” said Melrose coach Bill DeSimone. “I told the girls after the game how this is an example of a meaningful win. Some of these girls battled in playoffs with me, some of the newer girls now know what it’s like to compete in a high stakes game. I’m proud that everyone stepped up and we did what we had to do to win.”
At the net, Melrose goalie Jill Stone had another strong effort. “Jill has been rock solid. She’s really come along against the breakouts, she getting more focused and believing in herself.”
Melrose found the net first with a Grace Donahue shot past Warrior goalie Courtney Hill, and teammate Sarah Herron made it a 2-0 game when she scored on a counter attack. Melrose held a 2-0 lead until the second half when Warrior Haley Lovell scored at 9:43. Wakefield ramped it up in the second half, but Melrose defense held on.
“We ran out of gas a bit in the end,” says the coach. “We’re down a number of starters and had players like Lauren [Pedrini], Lily [Cunningham] and Olivia [Scarpa] playing the whole game. We asked a lot from them and they delivered.”
He continued. “This is a good team, one of the best group of kids I’ve worked with. I’m happy with the amount of kids who have risen to the occasion.”
Next up is a league clash with Burlington on Thursday (post deadline). The league foes always battle evenly against Melrose, so the Lady Raiders are hoping to pick up another win. Next Wednesday, they host Belmont at 3:45.
