Monday, December 04, 2006
Lady Raiders Begin Quest for Title Defense
The Melrose Lady Raiders begin their title defense with one of the most anticipated games of 2006 as they host the Lexington Minutewomen at Stoneham High School on December 12th, 2006.
The past two seasons Melrose has finished 23-1, 2005 ending with a 52-51 loss to Gloucester at Tsongas Arena, and 2006 concluding with a 52-49 loss to Oliver Ames at Boston Garden in the Eastern Massachusetts finals.
Melrose looks to win its eighth consecutive Middlesex League title and reach the postseason for the eleventh consecutive year. With three undefeated regular seasons in the past four, and stiff ML competition it won't be easy, as many teams (Lexington, Reading, Burlington, Wakefield) returntheir lineups virtually intact.
Last week's tryouts brought some surprises to the team, as five new underclassmen bring their skills to the Lady Raiders.
The past two seasons Melrose has finished 23-1, 2005 ending with a 52-51 loss to Gloucester at Tsongas Arena, and 2006 concluding with a 52-49 loss to Oliver Ames at Boston Garden in the Eastern Massachusetts finals.
Melrose looks to win its eighth consecutive Middlesex League title and reach the postseason for the eleventh consecutive year. With three undefeated regular seasons in the past four, and stiff ML competition it won't be easy, as many teams (Lexington, Reading, Burlington, Wakefield) returntheir lineups virtually intact.
Last week's tryouts brought some surprises to the team, as five new underclassmen bring their skills to the Lady Raiders.
Melrose Lady Raiders 2006-2007 Roster
Sheylani Peddy (SR) - CAPTAIN
Lynley DeAmato (SR) - CAPTAIN
Krista Limone (SR)
Taylor Pearson (SR)
Sharon Porcaro (SR))
Emily Clark (JR)
Meg Kirwan (JR)
Nicky Devereaux (SO)
Hannah Brickley (FR)
Colleen Hanscom (FR)
Laura Irwin (FR)
Siena Mamayek (FR)
First year coach Rob Ferrante has a full boat as he seeks his first ML title.
Peddy returns with consecutive Middlesex League MVP trophies and has been a consensus All-Scholastic. DeAmato has ability on the drive and from international waters and Kirwan was a valuable sixth man last season.
Although Melrose has five freshmen and a sophomore, don't confuse youth with inexperience. Mamayek has varsity experience in the Charter School league, Devereaux has two years of varsity soccer experience, and Brickley, Hanscom, and Irwin all played varsity volleyball this season, all getting playoff experience as well.
Melrose faces perennial D1 power Lowell tomorrow in a scrimmage as they continue their preseason preparation. We hear that Melrose will also scrimmage Merrimack Valley power Andover and Malden to prepare for the regular season.
// posted by Ron Sen, MD, FCCP @ 9:07 PM 
