Published in the May 11, 2016 edition
SENIOR CAPTAIN Meryl Braconnier (12) scored three goals and forced four turnovers during the Pioneers’ 12-7 victory over Georgetown May 3. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ lacrosse team went 2-1 last week, improving the Pioneers’ record this season to 7-3.
The Pioneers began last week defeating Georgetown 12-7 May 3.
Lynnfield stormed out of the gate and took an 8-2 lead. Lynnfield head coach Ethan Blanchette said the game “slowed down” after the locals’ hot start.
The Pioneers had a number of shots on Georgetown’s goalie but the locals struggled finding the back of the net.
Despite Lynnfield’s offensive struggles, the Pioneers had a team record 32 ground ball recoveries against Georgetown.
“The Pioneers peppered the Georgetown goalie but weren’t finding the back of the net as much as they would’ve liked, converting fewer than 50 percent of their shots,” said Blanchette.
Senior captain Meryl Braconnier led the Pioneers with three goals and forced Georgetown to commit four turnovers. Sophomore Liv Smyrnios also scored three goals. Junior Lila Alaka recovered five ground balls. Sophomore Gracie Sperling recovered four ground balls and forced three turnovers.
“It was an uncharacteristically sloppy performance from a team that has played very well throughout the first part of the season, but it was enough to earn the victory against a Georgetown team that played well on the afternoon,” said Blanchette.
Falls to Wakefield
The Pioneers lost a 9-8 heartbreaker to Wakefield May 5.
Lynnfield controlled the tempo of the first half and jumped out to a 5-3 lead at halftime.
The Warriors controlled most of the draws in the second half, which allowed Wakefield to go on a run and take an 8-6 lead.
Undaunted, the Pioneers managed to tie the game at eight after juniors Elise Murphy and Caroline Buckley scored back-to-back goals.
Wakefield’s Brianna Smith scored the game winner late in the second half.
Buckley led the Pioneers with two goals and recovered four ground balls. Senior captain Maya McPherson scored two goals. Braconnier scored a goal and had two assists. Smyrnios scored a goal. Sophomore Julia Stephens scored a goal. Alaka and Sperling scooped up three ground balls apiece.
Defeats Generals
Lynnfield concluded last week defeating Hamilton-Wenham 9-8 May 6.
The Pioneers won three out of four draws in the beginning of the game, which enabled the locals to take a 3-1 lead.
The Generals managed to win 12 out of 19 draws but Blanchette said, “the Pioneers methodically built a 9-6 lead with just over five minutes to play in the game.”
Hamilton-Wenham scored a goal with 1:12 remaining in the game. Afterward, the Generals won the ensuing draw and scored another goal with 51 seconds remaining in the contest.
After the Generals won the last draw of the game, Murphy forced a turnover despite facing heavy pressure in the midfield and ran out the clock, which allowed the locals to pull out the 9-8 win.
“Elise made the play of the day,” said Blanchette.
Smyrnios scored three goals and had an assist. Junior midfielder Lilli Patterson recovered six ground balls and forced four turnovers, both of which were team highs.
Freshman goalie Lauren Vacarro tallied eight saves in net for the Pioneers.
“It was an exciting win for the Lady Pioneers under the lights,” said Blanchette.
Upcoming games
The Pioneers faced Pentucket and Ipswich on Monday, May 9 and Tuesday, May 10 respectively, both of which took place after deadline. The locals host Triton on Friday, May 13, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Lynnfield travels to Stoneham on Saturday, May 14, beginning at 10 a.m.
