Girls’ hockey honors seniors with another key win

THE SENIORS of the PLNR girls’ hockey team were honored before their 1-0 win over Newburyport on Saturday at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink. Pictured with their coaches are seniors Chloe Considine, Jenna DiNapoli, Hannah Gromko, Ella Chase, Penny Spack and Avery Bird. (Eric Evans Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

PEABODY — In a hard-fought game, the Lynnfield-North Reading-Peabody High girls co-op hockey team edged guest Newburyport, 1-0, at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody last Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Tanners completed the season sweep over the Clippers as they won the first meeting, 3-1, back on Jan. 4.

It was a special win for three reasons as it was head coach Michelle Roach’s 100^th-career win and goalie Alyse Mutti also tied the school record for shutouts in a season with seven.

It also made for a positive Senior Day as Ella Chase, Jenna DiNapoli, Avery Bird, Penny Spack, Chloe Considine and Hanna Gromko were all honored before the game.

Overall, the Tanners improved to 14-3 overall and 13-2 (second place) in the Northeastern Hockey League. Newburyport, meanwhile, fell to 6-8-1 overall and 6-6-1 in the league.

Catie Kampersal had the lone goal assisted by Chase with 3:56 left in the second period. Kampersal, who is from Lynnfield, was going to leave the ice for a line change but saw the puck near her so she got a breakaway and beat goalie Teagan Wilson.

“I’m grateful to my assistants, Stephen (Roach) and Amanda (Donahoe), as well as the players and parents who made this such a memorable game,” said Roach, about the 100-win milestone. “Without my assistants and my players, this accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible.”

Roach also wanted to praise her senior class.

“Their leadership is critical to our success and this game was our best total game effort,” Roach stated. “We put together three strong periods and didn’t take any shifts off.”

On Feb. 17, the Tanners face Marblehead at 7:30 p.m. at Salem State University looking for the season sweep as they won the first meeting, 3-0, on Jan. 7.

PLNR then plays Bishop Fenwick on President’s Day next Monday with that game starting at 11 a.m. The Tanners won the first match-up on Jan. 11 by a final of 5-3. Bishop Fenwick is the designated home team for that game even though the game is at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink.

The Tanners are ranked 6^th heading into this week in the MIAA Division 1 power rankings.