By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team is headed back to the Division 3 state tournament.
“It’s awesome,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “Our goal every season is to make the tournament. It’s a great accomplishment for the team.”
The Pioneers (8-6-4) defeated Burlington 2-1 on Oct. 29.
The Red Devils jumped out to an early 1-0 lead 10 minutes into the first half.
Captain Ally Sykes tied the game 1-1 after scoring on a penalty kick 21 minutes into the second half.
Freshman forward/midfielder Bella Sykes gave the Pioneers a 2-1 lead after she scored on a header with 13 minutes remaining in the game.
“It was an awesome goal,” said Vermont. “Bella Carroll shot it, the ball went off the crossbar and Bella Sykes headed it in.”
Junior goalie Ava Gamache recorded four saves in net against Burlington.
“Ava had a great save in the first half that made sure the game stayed tied 0-0,” said Vermont.
Vermont said Ally Sykes, Bella Sykes, junior defender/midfielder Keely Briggs, sophomore defender Ariana Guarracino, junior defender Addie Connelly, sophomore defender Lily Rocco and junior midfielder Megan Woods played well against Burlington.
“It was a great team win,” said Vermont. “Burlington is a good team that plays in a tough Middlesex League. The girls fought to the end and kept working hard.”
JUNIOR defender/midfielder Keely Briggs played an excellent defensive game during the Pioneers’ 2-1 win over Burlington on Oct. 29. (Courtesy Photo)
Defeats Essex Tech
Lynnfield defeated Essex Tech 1-0 on Oct. 27.
The Pioneers and Hawks were locked in a defensive battle for the majority game. The contest was tied 0-0 at the break.
Sophomore Emma Rose scored the game-winning goal off a corner kick with six minutes remaining in the game. Rose has scored 10 goals this season.
“It was a great goal,” said Vermont.
Gamache had three saves in net against Essex Tech.
Vermont said Carroll, a sophomore forward, played a good game against Essex Tech.
“Bella was strong on the ball and made some good runs,” said Vermont.
Vermont said sophomore Clara Caulfield also played well.
“We moved Clara to the outside and she was dangerous,” said Vermont.
Vermont commended the Pioneers’ performance against the Hawks.
“Essex Tech is a strong team,” said Vermont. “It was Essex Tech’s Senior Night, and they had a great crowd. The ball bounced our way at the end.”
Falls to Pentucket
Lynnfield fell 2-0 to Pentucket on Oct. 25.
The Panthers scored its first goal eight minutes into the first half. Pentucket scored its second goal with six minutes remaining in the first half.
“Pentucket is a strong, physical and fast team,” said Vermont. “They took it to us right away, but we started playing better and controlled a lot of the play. We just struggled generating scoring opportunities.”
State tournament
The MIAA released the Division 3 state tournament brackets on Wednesday, Nov. 2, which can be viewed at www.miaa.net.
