Published in the September 9, 2016 edition

THE MHS girls’ cross country team returns to the fall season after a strong 4-1 record last year. (file photo)

THE MHS girls’ cross country team returns to the fall season after a strong 4-1 record last year. (file photo)

MELROSE — The Melrose High School girls’ cross country team returns to 2016 as competitive as ever in the Middlesex League.

Despite graduating top runner Elizabeth Hirsch (arguably the best female distance runner in Melrose High history), the team returns their next five runners from last year’s team and is poised to once again enjoy a strong season.

The team has gone 4-1 in the Freedom Division for second place the past two years, losing only to Wakefield, and hopes they will get by that obstacle this year.

Juniors Tara O’Shea, Holly Moore, Mykayla Olwert, senior captain Jenna Santos and sophomore Emily Healy were all in the top seven last year and are ready to take their game to the next level.

Other returning competitive veterans include tri-captains Jennifer Cook and Rachel Freed, seniors Samantha Pashoian, Rachel Fracasso, Josie Coyne, Maddie Jancsy, Sophie Sniegocki and Ashley Pinto. Junior Courtney Murphy appears ready for a strong season as does veteran sophomore Nicola Tysall. The team welcomes newcomers sophomore Maya Lytje and freshmen Alex Cotugno and Victoria Ackerman.

Last season Melrose finished 14th at the EMass final and they have their eyes on a top 10 spot this year. Coach Nick Tuccinardi has transferred from track for his first year of cross-country at MHS. He is impressed with the preseason preparation. “The girls are very fit and motivated. I’m confident that we will be a strong, formidable team all year.”

Fans can catch them up close when they open their season at home against Arlington on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. at Green Wood Park in Stoneham.