New season sees them at a 2-0 start
Published May 21, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Though it’s been over 700 days since the Melrose High girl’s outdoor track team hit the track at Pine Banks Park, they’ve certainly made up for time by flying to a 2-0 start to the season after consecutive wins over Watertown and Stoneham that have Melrose 2-0 on their early season.
Coming off an undefeated indoor (outdoor) track season just last month in Fall 2, there is great hope the team can replicate efforts. And it’s all looking good now that the team has earned back to back wins.
Leading the team as senior captains are Grace Donohue, Ella Flemming, Marisa Zelten, Sydney Kroon and Kaiya Thompson. This represents an upperclass that has already led Melrose to many titles in the indoor track season and they are ready to convert that this spring season.
Melrose has seen wins over Watertown and Stoneham to start the season.
Already Melrose has qualified athletes to states behind the work of Hailey Keegan in the 100 and 200, Kaiya Thompson in the 200 hurdles, Grace Donohue in the 400 hurdles and two standouts in the high jump: Taylor Pesce and Julia McAree.
In their victory against Watertown, Melrose experienced nearly a clean sweep in a winning 112-26 effort. Melrose started off victorious the 400mh behind the effort of Grace Donohue. The team also swept the mile behind the efforts of Charlotte Tysall, who placed first. Melrose took the top two spots in the 800 thanks to Sydney Kroon and Katie Sikkema. Melrose showed great promise in the 200 thanks to winning work efforts from Hailey Keegen (first) and Lily Nolan (2nd).
Melrose distance runners got the job done thanks to runs from winner Jillian Bakey and Chloe Orcutt, as the two swept the event. Melrose field events have been in good hands thanks to winners Kaiya Thompson (long jump) Molly Lytje in the shot put. Katie Sikkema in the javelin and Taylor Pesce in the triple jump. Melrose also swept the high jump thanks to the work of Julie McAree and Taylor Pesce.
According to Melrose coach Shannon Kane, upcoming competition may tell the tale for this particular team. “The remainder of our schedule could be tough. We really want to get past Wilmington and finish strong. I know Wilmington will be tough but if we get passed them we should be in a good position.”
Melrose will host the Wilmington Wildcats on Wednesday (post deadline) before hosting Burlington next Tuesday at Pine Banks. Should their wins continue, in one week’s time Melrose could be in the driver’s seat for a league title.
