Softball stuns Burlington, shuts out Watertown
MEMBERS OF the Melrose High School girls varsity softball team celebrated their 10-6 upset victory over Burlington on April 22 at Pine Banks Park. (courtesy photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE — It’s been a sunny spring for the Melrose High School Lady Raider softball team, who posted a winning 2-1 record during league play this week, including a dynamic 10-6 victory over a tough Burlington team on Wednesday, April 22. The wins improved Melrose to 4-2 overall in the league, a strong place to be as they approach midseason.
Burlington came into the game with an advantage, having posted a 16-2 record in 2014 while earning the #1 top seed in the Div. 2 North playoffs. Melrose, however, let their bats do their speaking. At least eight Lady Raiders made the rounds against the Red Devils with Melrose’s Alex McGuire coming up big at the plate (triple) and also on the mound where she pitched a complete game for the win. Lady Raider Megan Tryder went 2-4 with numerous RBIs. Melrose never lost their lead, drawing in runs in the second, fifth and sixth inning and perfected defense that saved the game a number of times.
“We played really well defensively,” says head coach Steve Wall. “We made some great plays on the field to prevent runs. We’re an experienced team and haven’t beaten Burlington since I’ve coached, so the girls were really excited to pull it off.”
Melrose cruised to a much easier victory on Monday, April 27 when they crushed Watertown 12-0 in a shutout thrown by Alyssa Gorman, who Wall credits for both her effective pitching and her power at the plate. “We’re lucky to have Alyssa, it’s a luxury to have two good pitchers and Alyssa and Alex and really contributing at the plate too.” Mercy rule ended play and when it was over Melrose had finished their Freedom League play with a solid 4-1 record, with their only loss to Wakefield on Friday, April 24 by a score of 15-6.
Having seen that league competition, Wall is confident they can maintain pace during the season, even with tougher teams on the schedule such as Lexington and Reading coming up. “What I like about this team is that they’re experienced,” says Wall. “They show a lot of poise and our seniors lead with confidence that I think that helps lead us and will make the difference down the stretch.”
Middlesex Freedom League Standings
League All Home
Burlington 4-1 4-1
Wakefield 4-1 7-2
Melrose 4-1 4-2
Wilmington 2-3 4-3
Stoneham 1-4 1-4
Watertown 0-5 0-6
