Published April 3, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — Last season, the Lynnfield High girls’ lacrosse team reached the quarterfinal round of the Division 2 North state tournament before falling to Newburyport to end the year at 12-8. They went 4-5 in the Cape Ann League as they finished in fourth place in the CAL Baker division.

Three seniors from that team graduated but Pioneer head coach Ethan Blanchette returned 13 veterans when practice started on March 18. Eight of those 13 were starters last year.

The four senior captains this spring are Sophia Ellis, Olivia Sarni, and the Barrett twins Ashley and Brianna. Jenna Lannon is the fifth senior back.

Ashley Barrett and Ellis were CAL All-Stars last year.

Barrett, an attacker, had 52 goals, 10 assists, 31 ground balls, and seven caused turnovers.

Ellis, who is a defenseman, had 40 ground balls, 17 caused turnovers and 17 draw controls.

TORI MORELLI lines up the first goal of the season for the LHS girls’ lacrosse team during their season opener against Masco at LHS on Monday. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

Maddie Burke, Tori Morelli, Molly Ozanian, Shannon Pierce, and Mac Schenna are the five juniors back.

Sophomore returners include Jen Flynn and goalies Grace Magno and Ava O’Brien.

The newcomers this season include juniors Lexi Allain and Sydney Jean-Simon along with sophomores Maddie Murphy, Molly Murphy, Olivia Murphy, and Bella Scala.

“We have some talented returners and some decent depth this year as long as we can avoid injuries,” said Blanchette. “We played in a play-day on March 24 and had two players come up injured at the very beginning, so hopefully it’s are nothing too long-term.

Just like last year, the Pioneers are slated to play an 18-game regular season.

When looking at how well his squad can do this season, Blanchette is optimistic.

“I think we have enough talent returning that we should make a decent run at the tournament and hopefully win a game or two if and when we get there,” he stated.

Lynnfield dropped the first game of their season 13-1 to a strong Masco team on Monday night. On April 9, the Pioneers will play their second game of the season as they host Manchester-Essex at 3:45 p.m. in their road opener.

TORI MORELLI lines up the first goal of the season for the LHS girls’ lacrosse team during their season opener against Masco at LHS on Monday. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)