Published in the December 23, 2015 edition

By MAUREEN DOHERTY

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield girls’ indoor track team had a strong showing in their dual meet against Manchester-Essex at the Reggie Lewis Center.

Three team members qualified for the state tournament in the close 43-34 loss.  The state meet qualifiers, all of whom took first place in their respective events and earned a combined 15 points for the team were Lexi Yannone in the 600 meters (1:47); Liz Reed in the 300 meters (46.06); and Kate Mitchell in the 1000 (3:15).

In addition, the 4 x 400 Relay team of Liz Reed, Courtney Shinnick, Gracie Sperling, and Kate Mitchell qualified for states with a time of 4:34.

Also earning first in their events and five points each for the team were Abbie Dickey, who won the shot put with a throw of 25’4″, and Brie Giamarco in the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 10.98 seconds.

Lilli Patterson took third in the shot put (24′) while Natasha Desir captured third in the 55 meter hurdles (12.62) and Sarah Bartolotta finished third in the 1,000 meter race.

Earning second place points were long jumper Marissa Cimmino (11’4″), sprinter Gracie Sperling in the 55-meter dash.(8.52 seconds), and Meryl Braconnier in the one mile (6:14).

“It was  a great first meet and we are very proud of the girls,” said head coach Liane Cook.

The team competed it a tri-meet against Hamilton-Wenham and Essex Tech on Monday (after press time) at Lynn Tech.