Melrose is off to flying 3-0-1 start

Published in the September 21, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider golf team is off to their best start in several years, unbeaten at 3-0-1 after a trio of wins in the opening weeks of season. 

Melrose started the year with a 51.5-21 win over Wilmington on Sept. 5 and a 53.5-18.5 victory over Watertown on Sept. 13. On Friday, they took part in the Mayor’s Cup against Malden and prevailed, 58-14. 

THE MELROSE Red Raider golf team has opened their season undefeated. (Donna Larsson photo)

But their real test of strength came against the Woburn Tanners, a competitive team whom they tied on Monday, 36-36. According to coach Rick McDermod, it’s fair to say that the Tanners serve as a measuring stick as to where they fit in the league. 

“This was a tie we could be proud of,” he says. “Woburn is a team that seldom loses on their home course. Overall, it was a bit of a flip of the coin, but there were several key matches during the day that prevented a loss.” 

One of those clutch performances was a win by Tim Healy. “He made par for us at a critical moment.” 

Tom Brodeur also made a four-foot, downhill putt to win the hole late in the match that helped cement the final tie score of 36-36. “That was big for us,” says the coach. “And also Will Goodwin also made a great putt for us.” 

Among those who prevailed in matches on Monday were Jack Crowley and Sean Senier. Overall, Melrose has been aided by efforts in the early season by undefeated Melrose golfers, Quinn McCarthy, Sean Senier, Jack Crowley and Tim Healy.  

It’s been a very strong season for Will Pierce, who battled a tough Sam Gerry on Monday, and has maintained the #1 shooter spot on the team. McCarthy is battling in the #2 spot followed by Jay Tucci, Sean Senier and Jack Crowley. 

The Raiders real test comes this Thursday (post-deadline) when they host a tough Burlington team. With two Freedom wins under their belts, Melrose will need to prevail over the Red Devils if they want to earn a Freedom League title. “This is a match that will determine the league and set the tone for the rest of the season,” says McDermod. 

It’s a test that they indeed hope to ace. But win or lose, it won’t determine Melrose’s chance for postseason play. “We’re hoping to make States, I like our chances. But as always, it’s a matter of playing smart and playing patiently. I tell the players, ‘it’s one hole at a time’.”

Melrose will next travel to Belmont on Tuesday at Bellevue Country Club at 4:00 p.m.