Undefeated Melrose upsets Burlington

Published in the September 28, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider golf team remains undefeated at 4-0-1 after a key league win over Burlington on Thursday, Sept. 20 at Bellevue Golf Course. It was a pivotal victory for Melrose, who looks to possibly vie for a Middlesex Freedom League title but must advance past rivals  Stoneham and Wakefield, teams they will play in the upcoming week. 

THE MHS golf team remains undefeated at 4-0-1 after a victory over Burlington. (Donna Larsson photo)

Melrose head coach Rick McDermod spoke of Thursdays match. “We took a beating at the top but won the rest of our matches. It was a tremendous team effort.” Among the big winners were seniors Jay Tucci and Will Goodwin. “I was so impressed my seniors, both of them helped us tie things up after our two losses,” says the coach.  

Meanwhile, Melrose’s top two golfers, Will Pierce and Quinn McCarthy, were up against giant Burlington competition in the one and two spots. “The two [Will and Quinn] were playing against competition that couldn’t have been stronger. It was a very tall order but they played excellently.” 

Also prevailing in match wins were Sean Senier 6.5-2.5, Tim Healy 5.5-3.5, and Tommy Brodeur, 5-4. 

Melrose boasts undefeated golfers this season with Sean Senier, Will Goodwin and Tim Healey flawless in execution, all at 4-0. Meanwhile, everyone player has a winning record, such as Quinn McCarthy (3-1), Jay Tucci (2-1-1) Jack Crowley (3-1) and Tommy Brodeur (3-1). Meanwhile, Pierce is thriving at the top spot, facing the most formidable opponents in the Middlesex League. 

The Middlesex League is anyone’s game and many “small” Freedom teams are beating those in the large Liberty division, such as Woburn (who tied with Melrose this season) beating powerhouse Belmont and Stoneham defeating Arlington. Knowing this, McDermott feels confident going into any match.

“While we would love to take the league, our goal is to play in the State Tournament. I want that especially for our seniors,” says the coach. “We will have to keep our eye out for Wakefield and Stoneham. Last year, we beat Stoneham but it was a close one.”

Melrose’s next home match is on Wednesday when they host Winchester.