Raise over $1,000 for Ronan Thompson foundation, blanked by Melrose juggernaut, 3-0
THE WMHS girls’ volleyball team raised over $1,000 for the Ronan Thompson Foundation in its Be Bold, Go Gold fundraiser last night at the Charbonneau Field House in its match against Melrose. (Donna Larsson Photo)
WAKEFIELD — The Wakefield Memorial High girls’ volleyball team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Middlesex League and state powerhouse Melrose last night at the Charbonneau Field House. However, everyone came away winners last night as the Warriors raised close to $1,000 for the Ronan Thompson Foundation in the Be Bold, Go Gold event.
The Warriors fell to 2-6 overall and 2-5 in the Middlesex League Freedom division. Melrose, meanwhile, is 11-1 overall and 8-0 in the M.L. Freedom division.
“We played our best match of the year. (The) Energy was high, they were working as a team and they played really well,” said Coach Nicole Trudeau. “Tonight’s game was about much more than winning or losing. We were playing for so many kids who are struggling through the hardest fight of their lives.”
The Warriors played all out. However before the contest even started, the WMHS Dance Team kicked off the night with an unbelievable performance. Trudeau felt it was great to see the kids coming together to do good things for other kids.
Liz Germino, a junior co-captain, caught her stride in this game as Wakefield’s libero. Melrose has players who have been playing for six years or more. Germino was reading the Red Raider offense very well and picking up balls like a pro according to Trudeau.
Senior co-captain Julia Cleary led the team with strong swings and didn’t let up. Mackenzie Story, a sophomore, really started to connect defensively on blocking. Story got the timing down and was making the Melrose hitters work harder.
Wakefield had a tough time with a couple of servers but the Warriors were lucky to have sophomore Emma Butler on serve receive. Maddy Shea, a sophomore, had a solid night defensively while Adanna Badgett, a sophomore, made some great offensive plays.
On the right side, Wakefield had Sarrah Chouiakh, a junior, leading the team so well she almost lost her voice. Having her setting is a tremendous asset to the Warrior program said Trudeau.
“We lost 3-0, but we all left the field house tonight in great spirits,” said Trudeau. “We played with our hearts for all the kids and it showed in our play. I’m proud of their efforts on and off the court.”
Wakefield’s next match is against Burlington on Friday night at 4:00 p.m. at Burlington High School.
