Next stop playoffs for 11-5 Melrose
Published in the May 25, 2018 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls’ lacrosse team made history last week by becoming the first-ever Middlesex Freedom League champs after sweeping the league undefeated and improving to 11-5 overall, which matches their program-best record in 2016.
The playoff-headed Lady Raiders made it official with a 17-8 victory over Burlington on Thursday, May 17. The victory served as a regular season finale and kept Melrose unbeaten at 5-0 against all Freedom League opponents as they head into the Div. 1 North playoff field.
The win is especially impressive for first-year coach Matt Galusi, who took over coaching duties this year with hopes to return the team to playoffs, and possibly, take a league title. Done, and done.
“We wanted to qualify for states and felt that we had a really good chance at winning the Freedom and finally putting a banner on the gym wall,” Galusi said. “It’s gratifying to do that in my inaugural season. We’re glad to have established a culture of winning and accountability.”
THE MELROSE High girls lacrosse team honored their seniors before the start of their win over Burlington. Pictured with their families are (from left) senior captains Jill Mercer, Rachel DiFraia, and Lauren Pedrini. (Rob Cunningham photo)
Their victory against Burlington was all the more special because the evening served as Senior Night for Melrose’s upperclassmen who were feted before the game. Among those being honored at the start were senior captains Jill Mercer, Lauren Pedrini and Rachel DiFraia.
And what better way to celebrate than to win a game that officially put them in the history books? There was even more reason to celebrate as junior Lily Cunningham earned her 100th career goal during it. Their victory was fueled from offense by Cunningham, who scored 4 goals and 3 assists to reach her milestone. It was also a huge night for Emma Randolph, who had 5 goals and 1 assist and Abby Cunningham, who had 3 goals and 2 assists. Among those who also found the net was Samantha Zysk (2 goals 1 assist), Lauren Pedrini (2 goals, 2 assists) and Jenna Thorpe (1 goal).
Galusi was happy with Melrose’s defensive efforts too and pointed out the strength of Linnea Kelly at the net and the work of Katie Wright, Meghan Fogarty, Maggie O’Donnell and Peri MacDonald. “This unit played very solid and five caused turnovers.”
He was also pleased with Melrose’s unselfish play. “We constantly stress that an assist is just as good as a goal, because it ultimately means we accomplished our mission on offense. We were able to install some complex offensive sets and really play to our strengths as attackers against Burlington. We looked to drive the cage and be as relentless as possible on offense. Everyone is a threat to score when we possess the ball.”
It’s been a steady, uphill climb for Melrose since their debut season in 2009 when they finished 2-13-1. In 2014, Melrose punched their ticket to their first postseason in a nine-win season. Three years later, Melrose sits as league champs, which speaks of the evolution of the program.
Melrose made the jump to Div. 1 this season, thus their schedule has been loaded with tough teams. Thus, being able to pull off an 11 win season is all the more impressive. “I’d say we did pretty good at 11-5,” says the coach. “Our losses are to perennial lacrosse powerhouses. And we played hard against Lexington, Reading, Woburn and Winchester—all top 25—we knew it would be tough sledding against them.”
Galusi points out that in those games they started slow, particularly in their loss against Manchester-Essex. “Once we figured them out, we played great lacrosse and cut the leads.” And despite any slow start, Melrose is capitalizing on team chemistry. “We play team lacrosse and operate under the premise of doing things for your teammates and not yourself,” says Galusi. “There is a synergistic power at play here and we realize we’re stronger as a group than individuals. The girls really stepped it up this season and played great lacrosse.”
Melrose has outscored their opponents 48-18 in the last three games, something they weren’t doing last season. The program’s tremendous growth has produced a Melrose team who, when “on”, can compete with anyone.
“I would take our starting 11 over almost any team in the state,” says Galusi. “They play so well as a unit and compete so hard that we typically give ourselves a chance to win.”
While he acknoweldges the tournament field will be tough, being exposed to the best of the state in the regular season has its advantages. “We have played tournament teams all season, so we should be battle-tested and ready. Whoever we draw will be a good game and we will have our work cut out for us.”
No matter where the playoff road takes them, the team is savoring the historic moment.
“This season has helped put Melrose girls lacrosse on the map. We’re eager to show the best teams what we are capable of and are hopeful that our tourney play will speak for itself. Gone are the days of anyone looking past us.”
Pairings will be released on June 1.
