SENIOR CAPTAIN Bailey Fanikos (1) scored three goals during the girls’ lacrosse team’s 9-6 victory over North Reading on Friday, May 1. (John Friberg Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ lacrosse team compiled a 1-2 record last week, bringing the Pioneers’ overall record this season to 3-6.
The Pioneers defeated archrival North Reading 9-6 on May 1.
Lynnfield jumped out to a 5-1 lead at halftime. The Hornets regrouped during the second half and cut the locals’ lead to one, 6-5, 10 minutes into the second half.
The Pioneers maintained their composure and scored four goals down the stretch to secure the 9-6 victory.
Senior captain Bailey Fanikos and sophomore Caroline Buckley each scored a hat trick against the Hornets. Sophomore Elise Murphy recovered three ground balls. Senior captain Katie Scanlon recorded two forced turnovers and had two blocks. Lilli Patterson had an interception.
Sophomore goalie Annie Sanford recorded five saves in net against the Pioneers.
“It was a total team effort as all phases contributed to the victory,” said head coach Ethan Blanchette.
Loss to Pentucket
The Pioneers fell 9-8 to Pentucket on Tuesday, April 28.
Lynnfield had a 5-4 lead at halftime. The game was tied at eight with less than five minutes remaining in the game but the Sachems scored the game winning goal late in the second half.
Fanikos led the Pioneers with four goals. Buckley had a goal, an assist and recovered four ground balls.
“Lynnfield was in position to break their losing streak but following a few near misses and a tough break that saw the Pioneers trying to get the ball back with a man-down, it just wasn’t enough,” said Blanchette.
Loss to Peabody
The Pioneers dropped a 7-6 heartbreaker to Peabody on April 29.
Lynnfield had a 6-4 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Peabody managed to tie the game at six down the stretch. Peabody was awarded what Blanchette called a “controversial free-position shot,” which the Tanners took advantage of by scoring the game winning goal.
Junior Meryl Braconnier won five draw controls and scooped up three ground balls. Buckley and freshman Liv Smyrnios each scored two goals. Scanlon, Patterson, junior Lindsay Barrett, sophomore Lila Alaka and sophomore Rachel DiTullio played well against the Tanners.
“Another solid performance but it just wasn’t quite enough for the Pioneers, who continue to play stout defense to keep the team in games but just have trouble finishing when necessary,” said Blanchette.
Upcoming games
The Pioneers faced Triton on Monday, May 4 and Stoneham on May 5, both taking place after deadline. Lynnfield hosts Georgetown on Monday, May 11, beginning at 3:45 p.m.
