Team shows a lot of depth, begins season 4-1
Published in the April 21, 2017 edition
JUNIOR ANTHONY Ventura evades a defender for the MHS boy’s lacrosse team, off to a strong 4-1 start to the season. (Steve Karampalas photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team has sprinted to a 4-1 record in their early season, capped last week by a convincing 12-6 win over Lexington under the lights of Fred Green Field in Melrose on Thursday, April 11. Mike Calvert (4 goals) and Chris Cusolito (3 goals) led on offense while goalie Matt Rocha had another tremendous effort with 14 saves at the net.
This year has been a bit of a surprise for Melrose head coach Matt James. Despite starting the spring on their toughest stretch of schedule and battling injury to experienced players, Melrose has emerged with a lot reserves, showing so much depth that it speaks volumes about this team’s potential as they compete this spring.
“I didn’t anticipate that we would be 4-1 right now,” says James. “We are so young, but there is so much talent there. I’m not sure I’ve seen such depth.”
On Thursday, Melrose took a lead over the Minutemen and never looked back while pulling away in the second half. Melrose enjoyed a variety of scores from Calvert and Cusolito, along with Corbin White (2 goals) and one goal a piece from Andy Calvert, Mike Calvert, Corbin White and Darwin Anderson.
Defensively, Melrose’s Cam Rosie and Lou Izzi are competing in a lights-out manner. “They’ve been unstoppable,” says James. “They’ve been outstanding and work well together as teammates.”
Matt Rocha at the net has proven he’s the real deal. “He’s on another level – as good as any sophomore goalie I’ve seen,” says his coach. “He makes all the goals he’s supposed to make, and then some, which gives us momentum.”
Alex Soto on face off has also impressed his coach. “He only started last year and is already a standout, he’s really committed to the team and competes relentlessly.”
It says a lot that Melrose’s current lead scorer (Chris Cusolito) is a freshman. But in order to align themselves towards playoffs they need a complete and healthy lineup. Back on the field this week are senior captain Mike Pedrini, Jack Wells and Gabe Nyland, previously out with injury.
Melrose looks to continue their winning ways when they embark on a home stretch starting Saturday when they host Central Catholic at 11:00 a.m. at Fred Green Field.
