While Oro high jumps to the top at Invitational
MADDIE ORO was at the top of the pack in the high jump at the MSTCA Coaches Invitation where she placed second out of over 80 athletes on Saturday. (Donna Larsson photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — Melrose senior Maddie Oro has seen a steady ascension into the ranks of top high jumpers in the state in her long athletic career at Melrose High School. Now, she’s reached the upper echelon of competitors, as proven by her top performance at the MSTCA Coaches Invitational at Somerville High. Oro nearly took the top spot in the high jump, placing second in the event with a leap of 5-1 just behind Liana Rielly of Newton North. Among a contingent of nearly 80 athletes, Oro has proven to be one of the high jumpers to beat in post season.
Oro was in good company Saturday, with several of her teammates representing Melrose with solid times. That includes Elizabeth Hirsch, who cracked the top 10 for an eighth place finish in the two mile with a time of 11:46.29 and Anne Morrison who had a strong day in three events including a 19th place in the long jump at 16-7 and finishing 39th and 40th in the 200 dash and 100 dash, respectively.
Among those who competed for Melrose was Emily Donovan who ran the 400 dash along with Caroline Nolan; Holly Cohan who ran the 800 dash; Haley Moss who pulled 18.71 in the 100 hurdles and 4-11 in the high jump; Donovan also in the triple jump; Erin Reardon in the 200 dash, and Shaylyn McCarthy who threw nicely in the shot put (27-4) and discus (89-7) for Melrose.
Just days later on Tuesday, May 12 at Pine Banks Park the Lady Raiders earned a convincing win over Watertown 90-46, sweeping a number of events including the high jump, long jump, 100 dash and throwing events. Among those in the top spots were Oro in the high jump (5’01), Liz Hirsch in the mile (5:33.4), Anne Morrison in the long jump and 100 (12.9) and 200 dash (26.7), Emily Donovan who won both the triple jump (32’2) and 400 hurdles (74.3). Meghan Cincotta in the javelin (82’4), and Shaylyn McCarthy in the discus (94.5) and shot put (29’9). Among those who earned top 3 spots were Haley Moss and Grace Mercer in the high jump, Erin Reardon and Lauren Cincotta in the long jump, Katie Donovan and Olivia Costa in the javelin, Molly Clark and Bianca Jean, Molly Clark and Gabrielle Smith in the discus, Haley Moss and Sarah Denning in the 100 hurdles, Emily Bertolaccini and Avery Smith in the 100 dash, Maddie Oro and Caroline Nolan in the 400, Holly Cohan and Emily Donovan in the 800, Lauren Cincotta in the 200.
On Tuesday Melrose will travel to the Reggie Lewis Center to take part in the Middlesex League Meet. Look for Melrose to contend for top spots.
