Tide field hockey challenges Melrose with an all-out effort, only to lose by two late goals

By Joe McConnell

On Monday, Sept. 25, the Everett High School field hockey team (1-8) took on Melrose in what was one of their best games of the year, according to first-year Tide coach Sabrina Wright. The Tide came up just short, 5-3.

“This was probably one of my favorite games to watch,” Wright said. “It was raining, but the team played hard throughout. At halftime, Melrose was up 1-0. They then led, 3-1 after three quarters. Jonathan Scoletti, the birthday boy, scored our goal to keep us in the game. His goal fired up the team like I’ve never seen them before.

“Right out of the gate in the fourth quarter, Malaica Guillume and Cephans Orleus scored goals to tie up the game. But Melrose came back to score the next two to regain the lead,” added Wright. “We continued to fight hard to tie it back up, but the clock ran out on us.”

Scoletti was the team’s MVP against the Red Raiders. “He kept his stick down, and as a result he continuously came up with the ball against Melrose,” said Wright.

Two days later, the Tide took on Wakefield, and lost, 7-0.

“After Monday’s game, we took two steps back against a team that beat us the first time we played them, 6-0,” said Wright. “The team that showed up to this game was a different team than the one that played on Monday against Melrose. I always tell the team that I don’t care if we lose as long as we lose fighting to the end. But if we lose because we gave up or didn’t try, then you let the entire team down.”

But individually, there were still some standouts against the Warriors. Senior Emma Longmore was the game MVP. “It was great watching her play in this game, because she did all the fundamental little things that allows teams to control a game,” said Wright.

Last Friday, the Tide was in Peabody, where they were shutout by the host Tanners, 3-0, and their new head coach and Wright’s former mentor Jillian Tobin. Wright played for her, when she suited up for the Prime club field hockey squad.

The Tide then went up against Revere on Oct. 4 after press deadline, and won’t play again until Wednesday, Oct. 11, against host Malden at Pine Banks, starting at 4 p.m.