Still the team to beat after Wilmington win
Published April 9, 2021
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High girls track team may be on par for another undefeated season after nabbing a 74-26 win over Wilmington on Saturday, April 3 at Wilmington High, their third straight, plus a 75-25 win over Watertown on March 27. Melrose remains an unblemished 3-0 on the season as they prepare for a trip to Burlington on Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Melrose started their winning ways against Watertown on the road on March 27 and effectively swept the day in every event but four. They started the competition in the 55 meter and 55 hurdles and swept both events. Kaiya Thompson and Grace Donohue were first and second in the hurdles. In the 55 meter, Adrianna Centrella and Hailey Keegan took to the top two spots, respectively. Melrose also excelled in distance events, including the one and two mile, which were won by Jillian Bakey (1 mile) and Chloe Orcutt (2 mile). In the 1000, Melrose swept all three spots thanks to Anna Mackey (1st), Charlotte Tysall (2nd) and Ella Fleming (third). Melrose swept the top two spots in the high jump thanks to Julia McAree and Molly Lytje, who were first and second respectively. Melrose also excelled in the 600 with a nice 2-3 finish by Sydney Kroon and Alyssa Champagne. Kate Sikkema and Meghan Radzik placed 2nd-3rd in the 300, helping earn points, while the long jump saw Kaiya Thompson and Julie McAree placed second and third.
Melrose’s relay teams were also effective. Melrose’s 4×200 team placed first behind the efforts of Alyssa Champagne, Adriana Centrella, Grace Donohue and Hailey Keegan. Melrose’s 4×400 team of Charlotte Tysall, Ella Fleming, Sydney Kroon and Kate Sikkema also placed first, helping clinch victory over the Raiders.
Those relay teams would come up big again just this past Saturday, April 3 when they traveled to Wilmington and clinched their third win of the season to remain undefeated. Melrose’s 4×200 team placed first again thanks to Alyssa Champagne, Adriana Centrella, Grace Donohue and Hailey Keegan. And Melrose’s 4×400 team of Charlotte Tysall, Anna Mackey, Sydney Kroon and Kate Sikkema also placed first, helping clinch victory over the Raiders.
It was once again a near sweep for Melrose in every event. They took the top spots in all but the long jump, 55 dash and 300. They started the day with a strong effort in the 55 hurdles with a first place by Grace Donohue. Jillian Bakey prevailed in the one mile, Ella Flemming prevailed in the 600 and Anna Mackey in the 1000. Jillian Bakey had another tireless first place win, this time in the 2 mile. In field events, Melrose swept the shot put thanks to Charlotte Tysall (first) and Grace Donohue and Molly Lytje. And in the high jump, Julia McAree prevailed with a reach of 4’8.
With all this winning, it’s fair to assume Melrose has a strong shot of (another!) undefeated season. It’s been over 2 years since Melrose has endured a loss. And with strong performances across the board, and Mother Nature on their side, there is no telling what this team will accomplish in the final two weeks of their regular season.
Fans will know more when Melrose takes on the always-competitive Red Devils of Burlington, who Melrose will travel to on Saturday for a 1:00 p.m. shotgun time. Stay tuned.
