Experience & youth could serve Red Raiders well 

Published in the September 8, 2017 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider golf team kicks off their season this week with an opening road match against Lexington on Wednesday (post deadline) starting the season with a few familiar faces and promising youth that could see them collecting wins this year.

THE MELROSE Red Raider golf team returns this year looking to make a dent in the ML Freedom League. (Donna Larsson photo) 

THE MELROSE Red Raider golf team returns this year looking to make a dent in the ML Freedom League. (Donna Larsson photo)

As always, it’s a remarkably quick season for the Raiders, whose regular season wraps up Oct. 12. Melrose will look to go on a early run when they face league Freedom League opponents like Wilmington and Watertown starting Sept. 12. According to coach Rick McDermod, how they fare against Wilmington could be a good indicator of how Melrose shapes up this season. “We’d like another crack at them. Last year it was a close one on the road. They’re coming here this time and theres a certain advantage.”

This season McDermod is being assisted by Tristan Irish, who will help develop players during practice sessions. “It’s critical that he work with our newer players, and we are happy to have him,” he says.

Look for senior captain Zach Farrell to lead the charge for Melrose. The team’s most experienced shooter, Farrell will assume the #1 spot in part from his powerful swing that has grown consistent since his freshman debut. “We’ve seen consistency with him, which is important, because boy, can he hit the ball.” Farrell’s experience could be key to Melrose’s success and his coach looks forward to his leadership. “He is a dedicated player who knows how to motivate his teammates.”

That includes returning players Zac Maguire and Abbey Spencer, who according to the coach, both of whom have seen improvement over the offseason.

There will be a lot of competition for the #2 spot, and new players like Will Pierce, Quinn McCarthy and Will Goodwin, underclassmen, play golf outside the fall season and may compete close to the top. “We have about five or six kids who belong to Bellevue [Golf Club] so they’re knowledge of golf and their ability will serve us well.”

Melrose, whose roster is comprised of 50% southpaws, is a team who generally loves the game, according to the coach. “It’s exciting to see these kids so committed to the spot, just eager to learn and practice on their own time.”

Melrose also will compete in their first-ever Mayor’s Cup action against Malden on Saturday, Sept. 16 at Mt Hood. Action takes place at 2:00 p.m.

Varsity Golf Schedule

Wed 9/6: 3:30 PM @ Lexington

Sat. 9/11 2:00 @ Malden

Mon 9/11: 3:30 PM @ Reading

Tue 9/12: 3:30 PM @ Winchester

Wed 9/13: 3:30 PM vs. Wilmington

Wed 9/20: 3:30 PM vs. Watertown

Fri 9/22: 3:30 PM vs. Malden

Wed 9/27: 3:30 PM vs. Woburn

Tue 10/3: 3:30 PM @ Stoneham

Wed 10/4: 3:30 PM vs. Belmont

Thu 10/5: 3:30 PM vs. Wakefield

Wed 10/11: 3:30 PM @ Burlington

Thu 10/12: 3:30 PM vs. Arlington