Published October 16, 2020

THE MELROSE High girls’ cross country team picked up an opening day win over Stoneham last Saturday. (courtesy photo)

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ cross country team have entered the 2020 season with big expectations, and they fulfilled one by taking a 23-38 victory over Stoneham during their season-opener meet at Greenwood Park in Stoneham on Sat., October 10. 

Melrose took 3 of the top 5 spots behind the efforts of Charlotte Tysall (2nd@21:39) Jillian Bakey (3rd@21:56) and Marisa Zelten (4th@22.05). Sophomore Lily Kavanaugh also impressed with a 6th place finish at 22:37, along with teammate Juliet Moore at 22:40.

Sofia Centrella ran her first varsity race with a solid result of 22:45, good for 9th while teammate Sofia Weissman was right behind her at 23:15. Senior Dara Casey and senior captain Julianne Murthy were next followed by Isabel Vogel and Adriana Centrella. 

Melrose head coach Nick Tuccinardi was happy with the win and was especially pleased with the performances of his newcomers. He was glad that Melrose’s JV team also picked up a victory by sweeping the Spartans with a perfect score of 15. It was a lot to celebrate. 

“I’d like to congratulate Sofia Centrella, Addy Lawlor, Jaya Karamcheti, Darby Thompson, Ava Picone, Bella Scacchi, Leena Abraou, Marina Carrieri and Maeve Fogarty on completing their first-ever high school race,” he said. 

Melrose will look to make it two in a row when they travel this Saturday to Arsenal Field in Watertown to take on their rival Red Raiders at 9:00 a.m.