Published in the September 13, 2017 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team has returned to the field and is looking to make some noise in the Cape Ann League this fall.

The Pioneers concluded the 2016 season with a 10-7-2 record. Lynnfield qualified for the Division 3 North state tournament, but the eighth seeded Pioneers fell 3-2 to ninth seed Stoneham in overtime during the first round of the tournament.

THE FOUR senior captains leading the girls’ soccer team this fall are, from left, Liz Shaievitz, Sydney Santosuosso, Hannah Filipe and Kate Mitchell. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

With a strong nucleus featuring 14 seniors returning to the fold, Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont has high hopes for the upcoming season.

“I am excited,” said Vermont. “We have had two weeks of practice and the preseason. The kids have worked really hard and are ready to go.”

Four senior captains will be leading the Pioneers this fall, including defender Sydney Santosuosso.

“Sydney is a very intelligent player,” said Vermont. “She is strong with the ball on her foot and in the air. We are asking her to play defense because we have had some injuries. I know playing defense isn’t her first choice, but she is willing to do it in order to help the team. She is doing a nice job.”

Senior captain Liz Shaievitz will be playing forward for the Pioneers once again.

“Liz is very smart, very fast and has good field awareness,” said Vermont. “We are looking for her to score goals.”

Senior captain Kate Mitchell will be playing forward and outside midfield this season.

“Kate is a very intelligent player who is very fast,” said Vermont. “She is skilled on the ball and is dangerous on free kicks.”

Senior captain Hannah Filipe will help anchor the locals’ backline.

“Hannah is a very strong player who is not afraid of anything,” said Vermont. “She really sets the tone in the back.”

Senior forward Grace Sperling will be starting at forward for the Pioneers this fall.

“Grace is a fast and aggressive player who will give everything she has for the team,” said Vermont.

Senior Juliana Passatempo will serve as one of the Pioneers’ defensive specialists.

“Juliana’s speed and agility combined is probably the best on the team,” said Vermont. “She is lightning fast on the defense.”

Senior Mackenzie O’Neill will be starting in net once again for the Pioneers.

“Mackenzie does a nice job controlling the box and she uses her height to win the high balls,” said Vermont. “She has a great attitude and is a field captain because she takes a leadership role on the team.”

Vermont said senior Olivia Montanile’s defensive tenacity will be an asset to the Pioneers this fall.

“Olivia is a strong and intelligent player who will not allow herself to get beat,” said Vermont. “And if she does, Olivia has the determination to get the ball back.”

Olivia’s twin sister, Christina, is currently injured and Vermont hopes she will be back in the line-up soon. Similar to Olivia, Christina will be playing defense once she returns from injury.

“Christina is tremendously fast and understands the game,” said Vermont. “She will do whatever she can to win the ball.”

Seniors Mia Ford, Maddie Gibbons, Olivia Smyrnios, Brie Giammarco and Christina Benvenuto round out the Pioneers’ core.

“As a group, they have had an excellent preseason,” said Vermont. “They have had a great attitude and I am looking forward to having them provide depth on the team.”

Vermont said the Pioneers’ experience and depth are the locals’ biggest strengths this fall.

“We have returned a lot of players, so our experience is a strength,” said Vermont. “Our younger players are very strong.”

When asked what the Pioneers need to work on, Vermont said, “passing to fee and being patient.”

Stung by Hornets

The Pioneers opened the 2017 season falling 2-1 to arch nemesis North Reading on Sept. 8.

The Hornets took an early 1-0 lead three minutes into the first half after scoring on a set play. North Reading took a 2-0 lead 15 minutes into the first half.

“It was not an ideal start,” said Vermont. “We didn’t defend well and didn’t clear the ball well.

Lynnfield cut North Reading’s lead to one after sophomore Anna Maria Ferrante found the back of the net with 14 minutes remaining in the first half.

“It was a great shot,” said Vermont.

Vermont said the second half was a back and forth contest between both teams. While he said the locals had some opportunities to score, Lynnfield was unable to find the back of the net and the Hornets hung on for the win.

“It’s always a battle when we play North Reading,” said Vermont. “I think they came out more ready than us in the first half. We were fortunate we were only down by one goal. I thought we did a nice job settling down in the second half.”