At 6-1, Melrose taking out Div. 1 rivals

Published in the April 22, 2016 edition

CATCH HIM if you can. Junior Mike Pedrini has been a top scorer for the Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team, who are 6-1 on the season. (Donna Larsson photo) 

CATCH HIM if you can. Junior Mike Pedrini has been a top scorer for the Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team, who are 6-1 on the season. (Donna Larsson photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — The Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team continues to roll along, capturing two back-to-back wins this week against Div. 1 teams, improving their record to 6-1. Melrose edged Central Catholic, 11-9 on April 18 and Lexington 12-11 on April 15 to continue their winning streak.

“We’re playing just really well right now,” says Melrose head coach Matt James. “Our play against Central Catholic was probably one of the best defensive effort ever by this team.”

Connor Locke had an outstanding game at the net. “He had a huge number of saves for us and Tom Calvert on defense was incredible. Our defense won most of the faceoffs, everything worked.”

Melrose took a lead of 8-3 at the half and didn’t look back. Leading on offense was junior Mike Pedrini with 5 goals, Jack Siebert with 4 and Jack Wells with 2. Siebert and Pedrini remain the top scorers but the team can count on as many as 6 different attackers to score per game, a nice problem to have for coach James.

Against Lexington, Melrose was able to preserve their lead thanks to a huge defensive stand in the final minutes of the game for the eventual 12-11 win. Siebert had a massive 7 goals. “He did great,” says his coach. “He took over the game.” The coach also credits a solid performance at the net by Locke and some great play by middie Cam Rosie. “He’s been key for us.”

Melrose being able to rise to the occasion in a challenging schedule has their coach pleased. “We travel to Acton-Boxboro on Saturday, they won the Div. 1 state title a few years ago so this is great competition for us.”

Melrose looks to extend that winning streak on Saturday when they take on Acton-Boxboro at 7:30.