Sets groundball record against Shawsheen

Published April 17, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High girls’ lacrosse team evened its record at 2-2 on April 12 as they nipped host Triton, 12-11 up in Byfield. They also went to 1-2 in the Cape Ann League.

Lynnfield led 7-6 at the break and opened the lead to three in the second half. The Vikings crawled back and cut the lead to one with under a minute left but the Pioneers were able to hold one.

Senior attacker Jenna Lannon was the player of the game for Lynnfield as she had a team-high six ground balls and forced three turnovers to go with a goal and assist. Junior Tori Morelli also put on a solid performance scoring three goals, winning seven draws, forcing four turnovers and collecting four ground balls.

ASHLEY BARRETT scored her 100th career goal to give Lynnfield a 7-6 lead over Triton on April 12. Barrett and the Pioneers would go on to win the game 12-11 to even their record up at 2-2. (Dan Pawlowski Photo)

Senior Ashley Barrett, who scored twice, scored her 100th career goal with under 15 seconds in the half to give the Pioneers a 7-6 advantage going into the break.

Sophomore Jen Flynn recorded a hat trick.

Grace Magno (2-2) made eight saves to get the win with five of them coming in the second half.

“It was expected to be a close battle and it was,” said Pioneers head coach Ethan Blanchette. “It was back-and-forth for much of the afternoon.”

Roll Shawsheen

On April 10, the Pioneers rolled over visiting Shawsheen Tech, 10-1.

“We controlled the ball and the clock throughout much of the first half, but struggled to convert,” said Blanchette. “In the second half, we were able to convert on their opportunities.”

Lynnfield only led 3-1 at the half as they erupted for seven goals in the second half.

Ashley and Brianna Barrett set the tone, collecting seven and six ground balls respectively – 13 of the team-record 34 ground balls on the day. Defenders Mac Schenna, Brianna Barrett, Molly Ozanian, Maddie Burke and Sydney Jean-Simon played solid all afternoon, turning over the Rams and gaining possession back.

Ashley Barrett also caused three turnovers, along with Schenna who caused three of her own, while Brianna Barrett caused a pair and stood out as she was named the player of the game. Shannon Pierce scored the first two goals of her varsity career, while Molly Murphy and Maddy Murphy each scored their first varsity goals.

Falls to Hornets

On April 9, the Pioneers lost at Manchester-Essex, 11-2.

The Hornets led 6-2 at the half and pulled away in the second half.

Ashley Barrett scored the Pioneers only two goals of the game and Magno played made six saves and getting to several other lose balls during the game. Burke and Brianna Barrett led the team with three ground balls apiece.

Against the other powerhouse team in the CAL, Masconomet, the Pioneers fell, 13-1, at home in the season opener on April 1.

On April 18, the Pioneers will try for the season sweep over Shawsheen in Billerica. That game is at 10 a.m. Lynnfield then returns to CAL action next Tuesday as they host Georgetown at 3:45 p.m.