Melrose boys earn first-ever victory over Winchester, 8-4
Published in the May 12, 2017 edition
JACK WELLS fires a goal for the Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team, who earned a first ever win over Winchester on Monday. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider lacrosse team picked up their eighth win of the season with a first-ever victory over Winchester at home on Monday, May 8 at Fred Green Field. Melrose topped the Sachems, 8-4, in a defensive gem that puts the Red Raiders one win away from qualifying for a post season.
Coach Matt James credits Melrose’s tough defense, including goalie Matt Rocha who netted 14 saves against Winchester, and a handful of Melrose defenders who controlled the game. “Cam Rosie, Lou Izzi, Will Pzegeo and Cody Porcello have been playing unbelievable for us,” says the coach. “They play smart and communicate well and helped limit Winchester’s scoring opportunities.”
Melrose held the Sachems scoreless for an entire 33 minute stretch before Winchester found the net in the third after a series of Melrose turnovers.
Offensively, Melrose scored courtesy of freshman Christian Nyland (3 goals), Corbin White (2 goals) Mike Calvert (2 goals) Mike Pedrini (1 goal) and Chris Cusolito (1 goal). “We used patience on offense, chose our shots carefully and scored on many possessions,” reports the coach.
On Saturday, Melrose fell to a close game to Wellesley at home 10-7 on Saturday but according to James, they kept it a real contest. “We played toe-to-toe against them until the end.”
Beating Winchester, however, may help bolster Melrose before their highly anticipated game against Wakefield on Thursday (post deadline), one of the only undefeated teams in the state and at 11-0, may be a favorite in all of Div. 2.
They are a team that James is familiar with. “They have tons of experience and great midfielders. We’ve been studying film and our kids know what to expect.”
After Melrose’s game against the Warriors, they travel to Watertown on May 17.
