Published in the January 5, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ indoor track team have started strong at 3-1 as they compete in dual meet Middlesex League play. On Friday, Dec. 23, Melrose prevailed over league rival Wakefield in a key league meet, 49-42. Melrose found strength in their sprinting events and distance running to outpace their Warrior rivals. 

LUCIA SEIDE has been a standout for the Melrose High indoor track team. (Donna Larsson photo)

Melrose started the day off strong in the 2 mile when Katie Duffy edged out Olivia Lucey of Wakefield, and her Melrose teammate Marissa Zelton took third. Melrose then swept the 300 dash, with Giovanna Dos Santos, Lauren Pedrini and Liz Perella placing 1-3. Melrose’s 4×400 relay continued their winning ways and Melrose’s Kaiya Thompson wowed with her performance in the 55 meter hurdles (10.18), third overall among the dozens of teams racing. Teammates Serena DeBari and Grace Donahue were right behind her in the 2-3 spots.

Melrose also dominated in the 600 meter race, with Sarah Herron and Alyssa Champagne placing 1-2.  And Alex Cotugno took the 1 mile race to seal the victory. Wakefield performed stronger in the fielding events, taking wins in the high jump, long jump, shot put. They also found victory in their 4×200 relay. 

Melrose then competed against Stoneham on Tuesday, falling by a whisker after an unfortunate DQ and 2 mile snafu initiated by officials. Despite the outcome, Melrose had several wins behind Nora Daley, who qualified for States in the 55 meter, Lucia Seide, close to qualifying in the 55 meter, Giovanna Dos Santos, who is close to qualifying in the 300 meter, Sarah Herron, rebounding from injury to take the 600 and Kate Bidgood, also close to qualifying in the 100. 

Despite the loss, a highlight was their effort in the 4×400 relay, which saw Melrose qualify for states behind the legs of Dos Santos, Bidgood, Herron and Alyssa Champagne. 

Coach Shannon Kane lauded her team for their efforts this season. “We have a young team with so much talent and great senior leaders in our captains Sarah Herron, Kate Bidgood, Jade Uzzle and Lauren Pedrini,” she said. “This team is in it to win it, despite our loss they competed with such heart and can be tough to beat.”