MELROSE — It was a classic rivalry game between the Wakefield and Melrose field hockey teams o
MARIE ESTRADA had a strong game in the midfield for the Warriors against Melrose last week. (Alicen Encarnacao Racca File Photo)
n Oct. 10 at Pine Banks Field.
Both teams battled for possession throughout in an even game.
After Melrose opened the scoring, Wakefield tied it on a goal by junior Alice Getty.
The home team scored on a corner in the 4th quarter and held the Warriors off the rest of the way.
Although Wakefield couldn’t come away with a victory, the progress they’ve made as a young and mostly inexperienced team over the season was evident to coach Cara Luca.
“I am really happy with the way the girls played,” said Luca. “It took a pregame speech of ‘truth’ to put some intensity into these girls. This is the team that I was waiting to see all season. We clicked, we worked together and although it wasn’t a win, I saw what I have been waiting all season to see: chemistry.”
The scoreless first quarter featured strong defense from a Warrior group that was locked in front start to finish. Junior captain Sophia DeAngelis, junior Antonia Nardone, junior Ellie Ortega and senior captain Stella Bangston held off a strong Melrose offense in the first while sophomore goalie Jordan Loftus made some nice saves to keep it level.
Melrose finally broke through in the second quarter but not much separated the two teams and Wakefield was able to tie it on a corner with no time remaining. Getty’s shot would either mean a tie game or a 1-0 deficit going into the break. It ended up finding the back of the net.
“Alice had a great game at center forward,” said Luca. “Her speed and stick skills came alive.”
Getty teamed up well with juniors Sophia Tulipani and Rory McNeill as the three of them were connecting with quick give and go’s to get past the Melrose defense and create opportunities. Also rotating in and playing well up front were juniors McKayla Herzog and Gianna Viola.
“McKayla had some good stick passes and jabs to get the ball up the field,” said Luca.
Melrose, coached this season by Wakefield High and field hockey alum Olivia Cameron, continued to push the pace in the second half, looking for the go-ahead goal on their home field. It didn’t happen in the third quarter as both teams stayed in a deadlock.
Wakefield’s midfield played especially well in the second half as the game wore on.
Sophomore Marie Estrada and juniors Ellie Pritchard, Maya Kenny and Alison Pesa all had a great offensive and defensive game.
“Our midfield did a great job of keeping the ball up to our forwards,” said Luca. “Marie’s stick was like a magnet. She was stopping every ball that came her way.”
Sophomore Chloe Seto and junior Elise Vasquez also rotated into the midfield and maintained a strong level of play.
Melrose finally connected on the go-ahead goal off another corner in the 4th quarter.
Wakefield kept fighting, but couldn’t find the back of the net.
The Warriors continue their five-game road trip today with a visit to Burlington at 4:15 p.m. and tomorrow, 4 p.m. in Byfield as they visit Triton.
On Monday, Wakefield will honor their lone senior, captain Stella Bangston, before their game against Wilmington at Landrigan Field. The game will start at 6 p.m. with senior night festivities happening before.
