Published June 12, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — It was one-and-done for the Lynnfield High girls’ lacrosse team in the Division 2 North state tournament as they were edged by visiting Tyngsboro 7-5 on June 4. With that defeat, the seventh-seeded Pioneers ended the year at 11-8.

Meanwhile, the tenth-seeded Tigers ended up losing 14-10 at Swampscott on June 8 in the quarterfinal round to end the year at 14-6.

The first half saw a defensive battle as both teams held the opponent in check. Lynnfield took a 2-0 lead after eight minutes but Tyngsboro tied the game with a little over ten minutes remaining in the half as Mollie Flanagan scored twice.

The Pioneers were able to score with 16 seconds to play as Tori Morelli gave the Pioneers a 3-2 advantage into the break.

SHANNON PIERCE sets up the offense in the first round of the Div. 2 North Tournament. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

Just as the second half was about to start, reserve goalkeeper Ava O’Brien was thrust into the spotlight and entered the game. O’Brien is only a sophomore.

“This was only the second varsity game Ava had appeared in this year and talk about a pressure situation,” stated Pioneers head coach Ethan Blanchette. “She was entering a one-goal tournament game and was unaware she would have to start the half until both teams were already back on the field. Ava did a great job. She’s such a sweet, quiet player, but she’s got the heart of a lion. I’m proud of the mental toughness she displayed. The team did a great job rallying around her as well.”

Tyngsboro was able to grab the lead before Lynnfield answered, but the home team now trailed 6-5. The Tigers would add one more goal, and then play keepaway for the final seven and a half minutes.

Morelli and Olivia Sarni led the Pioneer offense with two goals each while Jen Flynn had the other tally.

Morelli also led the team with two draws, four ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers.

“They have some talented players,” said Blanchette, about the Tigers “ I’m very proud of the way we kept battling with them throughout the game. I thought our defense did a tremendous job; (starting goalie) Grace (Magno) made five saves and Ava came on and competed hard as well. The defenders were fantastic. Brianna (Barrett), Mac (Schena), Molly (Ozanian) and Maddie (Burke) played awesome.”

For the Tigers, along with Flanagan, Sarah Hammerstone also scored twice. Single goals were scored by Molly Lanier, Annabelle Harrington and Justine Wagner.