Spirited effort by Torpey, Melrose ends in 54-48 loss

Published in the January 29, 2016 edition

JUNIOR CAT Torpey proved tough to defend during Melrose's recent clash with undefeated Woburn. (Steve Karampalas photo)

JUNIOR CAT Torpey proved tough to defend during Melrose’s recent clash with undefeated Woburn. (Steve Karampalas photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE — The top-rated, 11-0 Woburn team came into the Melrose Middle School gym last Friday, Jan. 22 as the favorites over the Melrose girls’ hoop team; and they left the winners, but the recipient of an unexpected rally from the Lady Raiders that will make any team think twice about overlooking the upstart Melrose squad, who only last Tuesday topped Reading in double overtime.

Recent efforts indicate Melrose has the skill and appetite for a post season run, and by keeping up with an 11-0 Tanner team, they proved it. Woburn brought to the floor a very tough Marissa Gattuso, who is at the top of the league in scoring and gave Woburn a lead they would not surrender in the early part of the game, forcing a number of Lady Raider turnovers. Woburn led 36-23 at the half.

And while Melrose certainly had their hands full, a number of Lady Raiders showed defensive prowess including Melrose juniors Cat Torpey and Caroline Nolan, who both forced a number of turnovers to keep Melrose in the game. Torpey in particular was a nuisance to the Tanners, with six blocks and six second half points alone. Melrose also benefited behind the shooting of Julia Foley, Sarah Foote and Alexis Doherty (who had a trey at the close of the third) that kept Melrose in the game, 42-32, entering the fourth.

Torpey went on a big run for Melrose, swatting a number of Tanner shots and forcing turnovers that allowed Nolan to keep Melrose within range at 47-38. Thanks to some solid shooting from Leonora Ivers Melrose was within reach at 52-44 and Cat Torpey made it way too close for comfort for Woburn with a buzzer shot that ended the game with a narrow 54-48 Woburn win.

While ultimately the game resulted in a loss, Melrose showed a spark that could lead them into postseason. They will look to capture another win when they host Wilmington this evening at 5:00 p.m.