Published June 2, 2021
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield High boys lacrosse coach Pat Lamusta knew it was going to be an uphill battle on May 28 as the Pioneers hosted Newburyport. The Clippers are one of the elite teams in the Cape Ann League and they defeated the Pioneers 14-2 on May 21 at home in the first meeting of the spring.
Newburyport showed why they are one of the top programs in the league again as they blanked the Pioneers 14-0. Lynnfield was shut out for the first time this season.
“Along with Triton, they are the team to beat,” said Lamusta. “They have some very good athletes and a bunch of different kids who can score.”
While Lynnfield fell to 2-4, the Clippers improved to 7-1.
Newburyport led this game 8-0 at the half as the scoring was balanced all afternoon.
The Pioneers were banged up heading into the game and some players were moved to different positions or got some extra playing time.
Bryce Kay moved his position and his play stood out to Lamusta.
“He normally plays long-stick midfielder but we moved him to attack this game and he played well,” said Lamusta, about the sophomore.
Lamusta was also happy with the play of the Dreher brothers, Mike and Steve.
“They both played well on defense,” said Lamusta.
Mike Dreher is a senior co-captain while Steve is a sophomore.
Senior co-captain Nik Marotta was kept busy all afternoon as he made 12 saves.
Lynnfield will face another tough challenge on June 3 as they host Triton at 3 p.m. The Vikings won the first meeting 15-3 back on May 13.
They then play back-to-back road games on June 7 and 8. Lynnfield goes to Amesbury on the 7th and North Reading the next day. Both games will start at 4 p.m.
The Pioneers have not faced Amesbury yet. They beat North Reading back on May 10 by a final of 10-5 in the season opener at home.
Lamusta also announced that the Pioneers will opt in for the Division 3 state tournament. The MIAA is allowing any team, regardless of record, to participate in the states this June.
Schools must decide to opt in by June 2.
