Published in the May 23, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High girls’ lacrosse team punched its ticket to the Division 2 state tournament on Monday afternoon as they won, 17-7, at home over Wakefield. It’s the third year in a row the Pioneers have qualified for states as they improved to 9-7 overall.

Lynnfield started fast, building a 5-0 lead just six minutes into the game and holding a 9-2 lead at halftime. In the second half, the Warriors cut the lead to 10-6, but the locals then went on a 7-0 run to pull away.

Senior Liv Smyrnios led the team with five goals and seven draw-controls, while junior Olivia Sarni also scored five goals. Junior Sophia Ellis secured five draw controls and gathered a team-high six ground balls. Senior Gracie Sperling scored three goals to go with four ground balls and freshman Jen Flynn scored four goals and contributed two assists.

The Pioneers were able to complete the season sweep over the non-league Warriors as well.

Goalie, Grace Magno, improved to 9-7 in net.

Fly by St. Mary’s 

SOPHIA ELLIS has had an excellent season in the midfield for the LHS girls’ lacrosse team. Ellis recovered five draw controls and six ground balls during Lynnfield’s win over Wakefield on Monday. (John Friberg Photo)

Last Saturday, the Pioneers went to Lynn and defeated host St. Mary’s, 14-2.

Sarni scored four goals, while Smyrnios and Tori Morelli added three each to pace the locals.

“Liz (Sykes) played excellent defense to negate one of their talented players,” said Lynnfield head coach Ethan Blanchette.  “Sophia (Ellis), Brianna (Barrett), Mac (Schenna), and Molly (Ozanian) limited the St. Mary’s chances all afternoon.”

Sweep Hornets

The day before, the Pioneers beat guest North Reading, 11-7, to complete the season sweep over the Hornets.

The Pioneers trailed early, 4-2, but then outscored the Hornets 4-0 the rest of the first half.

The second half saw the host Pioneers slowly gain control, pushing the lead to 11-5 with five-minutes to play. Sarni and Smyrnios both recorded hat tricks, while Sperling and Ashley Barrett added two apiece.

Magno made numerous saves in net to preserve the victory for Lynnfield.

They also improved to 5-5 in the Cape Ann League with that victory.

Edged by Pentucket

Against Pentucket on May 14, the Pioneers lost at home, 10-7, in a game the Pioneers led, 6-5, at the half.

The second-half was all Sachems, as the visitors won the majority of the draws.

“We committed several uncharacteristic mistakes that cost us possession at critical times,” recalled Blanchette.

Sperling scored two goals and collected four ground balls. Sperling and Morelli led the Pioneers with three draw controls each, while Ashley Barrett scored three goals and Flynn scored the other two.

Magno made several saves off free position shots in the first half, on her way to a seven-save performance.

Lynnfield’s final two regular-season games are at home. They host Mystic Valley on Wednesday and they welcome St. Mary’s on May 28.

Both games will start at 3:45 p.m. as the Pioneers will be looking for the season sweep against both teams.