Pioneers fall to dominant Nipmuc of Upton in state final, 5-0
THE GIRLS’ SOCCER TEAM were full of smiles while accepting the Division 3 state championship runner-up trophy after falling 5-0 to Nipmuc Regional High School at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Alumni Stadium Nov. 21. Proudly accepting the trophy are, from left, assistant coach Darren Damiani, senior captains Emily Scollard, Hannah Travers and Paige MacEachern and head coach Mark Vermont. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
WORCESTER — The girls’ soccer team gave a valiant effort against Nipmuc Regional High School during the Division 3 state championship game at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Alumni Stadium Nov. 21. Unfortunately, the Pioneers fell 5-0 to the Warriors.
“Nipmuc played a great game,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “I am so proud of my girls for the class they showed and how hard they battled. We represented Lynnfield very well. I am very proud of these girls.”
While the Warriors (22-1-1) were in control for the entire game and outshot the Pioneers 14-1, the loss didn’t dampen the locals’ spirits. During the trophy ceremony, the Pioneers were full of pride while they were being presented with medals and the runner-up trophy. The Pioneers had a number of reasons to be proud this fall, especially winning the Division 3 North championship and advancing to the state championship game for the first time in a decade.
“This season has been absolutely unforgettable,” said senior captain Emily Scollard, who will be suiting up for Stonehill College next fall. “I couldn’t ask for a better senior year and a better group of girls to go all the way to the state finals. It’s absolutely unbelievable. I wouldn’t trade this season for the world. I made so many great friends along the way and I love these girls more than anything. It’s been a great journey and I think all us would agree.”
Senior captain Paige MacEachern agreed.
“I am so proud of all of us,” said MacEachern. “We have worked so hard to get here. Part of our acronym for ‘DRIVEN’ is determined to reach higher. Our coach told us before every single game in the tournament to reach a little bit higher and to keep reaching, and that is what we did.”
The Warriors stormed out of the gate during the first half and utilized its quickness to its advantage. Nipmuc junior Kiley Larocque drove down the right side of the field and nailed a shot in the far corner of the net, giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead 17 minutes into the game.
Nipmuc scored its second goal with 11:59 remaining in the first half. Nipmuc’s Stephanie Esker was on a breakaway when senior captain/goalie Hannah Travers left the box to clear the ball. While Travers was trying to clear the ball, the ball deflected off of Esker, who got then got the rebound and nailed a shot into the open net, giving the Warriors a 2-0 lead.
“Hannah almost had it,” said Vermont. “It was a tough break.”
Nipmuc rattled off three more goals during the second half. Nipmuc senior Gabriella Carreiro, who will be playing for Boston College next year, found the back of the net nine minutes into the second half. Nipmuc’s Madison Neri scored a goal with 19 minutes remaining in the game. Carreiro scored her second goal with 7:33 remaining of the game.
“They just moved the ball and got it done,” said Vermont. “Our girls just kept fighting and I am so proud of them. They are a great team and we are a great team.”
Vermont commended the defensive pressure senior Abby Petras applied to Carreiro during the contest.
“Abby Petras did a nice job on her,” said Vermont.
Senior Jess Duhaime said she and her teammates will always look back on this season with fond memories.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better group of seniors,” said Duhaime. “We are all so close. It was a tough game, but we fought five minutes at a time and we gave it our best effort. We were happy the whole time and there were no letdowns. We just kept working and that is all we can ask for our final game. We made it here, and that’s what is important.”
Travers concurred with Duhaime’s sentiment.
“It’s been an honor,” said Travers, who finished with 14 saves. “I couldn’t ask for anything more for my senior year. Our goal was to get here and we did. Good teams have to play good teams for the championship, and somebody’s got to win. I am grateful for every game I played.”
Vermont said his squad’s positive attitude after the loss is a reflection of his team’s character.
“I am so proud of my team for not getting on each other or getting nippy,” said Vermont. “They just kept fighting. We had a great run and got all the way to the final game. There are not too many teams who can say have done that. It was a great battle and I am really proud of them.”
The Pioneers will be saying goodbye to eight seniors: Scollard, MacEachern, Travers, Duhaime, Petras, Katie Scanlon, Kelley Nevils and Haley Mineo.
“I love them,” said Vermont. “They are a group of hard working kids with great attitudes. They led us the whole way. It was a pleasure to coach them.”
