THE LHS volleyball team had another terrific season at 19-5 which included a trip to the state semifinals. (File Photo)

 

Three Pioneers named CAL All-Stars

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — It was another outstanding season for the Lynnfield High volleyball team this fall as the Pioneers reached the Division 4 state semifinals before losing, 3-2, to Medway at Woburn High School back on Nov. 17.

Overall, the team finished with an record of 19-5. In the Cape Ann League Baker Division, they came in second place to the eventual Division 4 state champions, Ipswich, as they went 12-2 with both losses coming to Ipswich.

“The girls gave everything they had so I couldn’t ask for any more,” said Lynnfield head coach Brent Ashley, who just completed his fourth year with the squad. “Our league is very tough as three teams in our league made the final eight in Division 4.”

The Pioneers were led by junior outside hitter Ella Gizmunt who was named an All-Star and the CAL Player of the Year. The co-captain is a three-time CAL All-Star who led the league in kills (426) and service aces (80). She was also top five in the league in digs with 240.

“Not only is she a great player,” said Lynnfield head coach Brent Ashley. “She also showed a lot of growth as a leader this year. She is one of the best players in the state.”

Lynnfield will be losing six seniors to graduation. The two starting 12th-graders were Natalie Connell (middle hitter) and Sarah Foley (setter).

Foley, a captain, was a CAL All-Star who had 303 assists, 60 service aces and 153 digs.

“She really stepped into a leadership role this year,” said Ashley of Foley. “She did a great job of rallying the team.”

The other three seniors were Ema Dono (defensive specialist), Kayla Tracy (outside hitter) and Courtney McCausland (defensive specialist).

“I am going to miss the seniors tremendously,” stated Ashley.

Next September, the team should be a contender again as they will return nine veterans. Along with Gizmunt, other key players coming back are juniors Celia Carbone (setter), Giuliana Guarracino (outside hitter) and Grace Davie (outside hitter).

Carbone was also a CAL All-Star this season as she had 310 assists, 148 digs and 33 service aces.

“She also served over 90 percent and did a fantastic job when she got thrown into the starting lineup,” said Ashley of Carbone.

“Some of our players are already talking about next season,” concluded Ashley, who teaches English at Lynnfield High.