perhaps the best record yet for the 7-2-1 squad
Published November 27, 2020
By JENNIFER GENTILE
WILMINGTON—The Melrose High field hockey team finished their best season in at least a decade with a convincing 2-1 season finale victory over a competitive Wilmington team last Saturday on the road that ends their incredible season at 7-2-1. Melrose, perhaps for the first time ever, finishes just below state powerhouse Watertown in Freedom league standings. If those perennial powerhouses to our south played in any other league, Melrose would be undefeated. It speaks volumes of this overachieving team and the efforts of their head coach Erin Parker.
Asked if she thought the team had surpassed expectations, Parker struck a thoughtful tone. “I think I knew coming in that this was the most skillful and competitive team we’ve had. They dedicate a lot of time to the sport in the off-season, constantly improving. They adjusted to the 7×7 in ways I didn’t expect. They were grateful to be playing the sport in an unpredictable climate. They never complained and we are grateful that we completed our whole schedule. Overall, our players, especially our seniors, proved to be very resilient and great leaders.”
On Saturday, as they battled the Wildcats on the road, Melrose fell to a quick 1-0 deficit early in the game but bounced back with ease. Says Parker, “I think for the first time this year I had this gut feeling we would come back. And I know the girls believed that, too. They had faith in themselves and it made all the difference.”
Melrose’s Sydney Kroon had an unassisted goal in the first quarter to tie the game. The Red Raiders’ second goal came courtesy of senior captain Catherine McCarron on an assist from Kalina Piasecki in the 3rd quarter.
At the net, Melrose senior captain Brianna Stanton had 11 saves to preserve the win. One of those was a penalty stroke. “I thought we had really nice ball movement in the backfield,” says Parker, who credits senior captain Lizzie Casey’s efforts. “Lizzie had a great final game. Her speed and precision with tackles on defense are impressive. She cracked her new stick doing so many reverse chip shots and passes – which speaks highly of her power,” she said.
As they finish with such a fine record, Parker reflects on what an incredible season the team enjoyed. “It’s the best record in at least a decade,” she confirms. “I’m so proud of the seniors and their dedication to making the program competitive. They were my first freshmen class coming in so it was a really special and rewarding season to see them at this level. It was a great ride.”
Those seniors include their captains Casey, Stanton, McCarron and Morgan Maiani, along with Sydney Kroon, Morgan Rigby and Alexis O’Brien.
Among those coming back are a few offense weapons, such as Kalina Piasecki, Erin Sampson and Meghan Maher. Plus experienced players Megan Casey, Anna Mackey and Caeleigh Corolla. Says the coach, “We have a great core group coming back and are interested to see our numbers develop in the coming years.” This year Melrose named three All Stars: Brianna Stanton, Lizzie Casey and Kalina Piasecki.
