Unbeaten Melrose (8-0) is now a top-ranked team

Published in the April 27, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—After eight games, the Melrose Red Raider boys’ lacrosse team has proven a force to reckon with and has positioned themselves as the team to beat in the division with a record of 8-0. Melrose has given hope for an extended playoff run this spring after beating top-ranked teams such as Acton-Boxborough and Needham in an exciting 10-8 victory on April 19. Melrose is just the fourth program to beat Needham in six years. 

The Red Raiders also have the makings of being the best-ever team since the program’s incarnation in 2009. In nine short years, Melrose has evolved past its humble beginning to exist now as a force in the state. And while some MHS teams are just now getting acclimated to outside competition, the Red Raiders have sped through their schedule and already nearly qualified for playoffs—which is all but a certainty, given their recent efforts. 

According to head coach Matt James, the team has already exceeded expectations. “We have big goals now, definitely. There are a lot of good teams out there that we’ve had a look at, and beaten.” 

THE MELROSE Red Raider lacrosse team remains undefeated at 8-0 after upsetting some top-ranked teams. (file photo)

So what can be attributed to Melrose’s dominance? (They’ve outscored opponents 76-17 in their last five outings)

“I think our depth is just really good,” says James. “Our goal differential is one of the best in the state and our defense has been huge. But with that in mind, it’s important that we remember to overlook no one. Every game is the biggest game of the season. We have league play coming up and you can’t win a league without beating Wakefield, and Stoneham and Burlington.” 

Still, Melrose has an embarrassment of riches of talent, starting with senior captain Jack Wells, a college recruited attacker who earned his 200th goal last week, to standout goalie Matt Rocha, who is allowing an average of just 4 goals a game, (among best in state) and incredibly promising freshmen Matt Dussault, whom coach Matt James warns, “keep your eye on this kid.”

Melrose earned a statement win when they defeated 2016 state champ Needham on the road on April 19, in one of the most competitive and exciting games in years. After falling to a first-quarter deficit of 4-1, Melrose lit a fire and went on a scoring spree courtesy of goals from Jack Wells (4, including the game winner) Andy Calvert, Matt Dussault and Christian Nyland. Melrose and Needham swapped leads and were tied for most of the game, but Melrose took a 5-4 deficit going into halftime and tied it up at 7-7 going into the fourth. It was a productive quarter as Dussault’s shot from 15 yards out gave Melrose a lead of 8-7. Needham tied it up 8-8 before Jack Wells found the net twice with game winners with a minute left, giving Melrose a 10-8 victory. 

“Jack was incredible for us,” says coach James. “He plays on another level and brings out the best in our team. He expects a lot and this team rises to the challenge. And his last two goals were huge. And he was assisted by a brilliant defensive play by Lou Izzi right before that winning shot.”

James also tipped his cap to Rocha at the net. “He kept [Needham] to 4 goals for three quarters which is almost unheard of. He made some unbelievable saves in the second half of the game.” James also noted the strong play of Andrew Calvert, who won four critical faceoffs in a row in the last half of the game. 

Having beaten some of the best competition out there, Melrose still has a challenging schedule ahead of them. On the docket this season is important games against Wellesley (5-1) on Monday and Reading (5-2) on May 4. This loaded schedule of top-ranked Div. 1 teams can only prepare them for an expected playoff run. Their last two games of the season are critical as they play Marblehead, a Div. 2 foe, and undefeated Hamilton-Wenham. That will be a true test for Melrose, who for now will continue league play against Wilmington and Stoneham this week. 

On Monday, they will travel to Wellesley to take on the perennially strong Raiders. Game time is at 4:30 p.m. at Wellesley High School.