Opening day goes to Melrose in 12-2 win over Peabody
Published in the April 7, 2017 edition
JACK WELLS had four goals for the Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team who took a 12-2 opening day win over Peabody at Fred Green Field in Melrose on Tuesday. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team kicked off the season on the right note with an opening-season win at home over Peabody, 12-2, on Tuesday afternoon at Fred Green Field.
Despite a steady rain that made for some slippery play, Melrose defense held the fort, including new goalie Matt Rocha, who had over a dozen saves for the day. Coach Matt James applauded Melrose’s defensive efforts during the game. “We played well defensively, and anytime you can limit an opponent to two goals, it says a lot. Matt was terrific, he’s got really sound fundamentals and is going to be a special player.”
Melrose Jack Wells was a force on offense, scoring Melrose four goals and two assists.The Tanners tied things up 1-1 in the opening moments of the game before Wells made it a 2-1 game, Melrose. Red Raider Matt Calvert made it a 3-1 game and Rocha at the net fended off several goal attempts by the Tanners.
Calvert connected with Wells for Melrose’s fourth goal of the game, making it a 4-1 contest. Then Calvert scored unassisted to give Melrose a 5-1 lead. Rocha made a beautiful save at the 9:10 mark in the first and prevented another at 8:37. Melrose’s Corbin White got in the action with three minutes left in the half with a goal that made it a 6-1 game.
Wells got his hat trick with less than two minutes in the half, while enduring several hits from Peabody as the half drew to a close. Melrose held a 7-1 lead at the half.
Peabody got back into the game two minutes after the half with a goal that made it 7-2. Calvert added to the Melrose offense at 5:13 in the third and made it a 8-2 game. Melrose also scored at 2:22 to advance their lead to 9-2 at the end of the third.
Melrose junior Darwin Anderson debuted as a Red Raider lacrosse player and scored Melrose’s 10th goal, and shortly after, Alec Catalleini earned Melrose’s 11th goal. Jack Wells closed the door on the Tanners with a final goal that gave Melrose an ultimate 12-2 win.
Melrose starts the season at 1-0 and will next host Acton Boxborough on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Fred Green Field in Melrose.
