Published in the April 27, 2016 edition
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ lacrosse team won two impressive games last week, improving the Pioneers’ overall record this season to 5-0.
The Pioneers began last week defeating Newburyport 11-6 on April 19.
Sophomores Peter Look and Jack Razzaboni won the game’s first three face offs, which allowed Lynnfield to jump out to an early 3-0 lead. Senior captain Pat Garrity scored two goals and senior CJ Finn scored one goal.
“Peter and Jack did a great job for us in a very important role as face off men,” said Pioneers head coach Joe Papagni. “I am so proud of their work ethic and them understanding how important a role face offs are for us.”
Newburyport regrouped and scored two goals, cutting Lynnfield’s lead to one, 3-2. Garrity and Finn responded by each scoring a goal, giving Lynnfield a 5-2 lead.
The Clippers scored two power play goals before halftime after Papagni said the Pioneers were awarded “two uncharacteristic penalties,” which made the game 5-4. He said senior captains Max Robert, Trevor Caswell and Jack Ganter, along with senior Ricky Johnson, senior Anthony Coletta and junior Kingsley Corona helped the Pioneers regroup during halftime.
“Those Newburyport goals relit the fire,” said Papagni. “I liked the fire in the locker room at halftime. It’s nice to see young men enjoying their vacation with some passion.”
Lynnfield came storming out of the gate after halftime. Look managed to find an open Matt Miller, who connected on a pass to Garrity, who gave the locals a 6-4 lead. Afterward, sophomore Nick Kinnon scored two goals while Razzaboni and senior Brendan Rothwell each scored one goal, giving the Pioneers a 10-4 lead.
Garrity scored his fourth goal late in the game, giving the locals an 11-6 victory over Newburyport. Garrity also finished with three assists. Finn had three goals. Razzaboni had a goal and two assists. Junior Ryan Freitas had an assist.
Ganter also finished with an assist and played a great game in net for the Pioneers.
Papagni commended the locals’ performance against the Clippers.
“Vacation week sometimes can be tough as a team moves forward, with different time schedules, players going on vacation and just a different routine than during school weeks,” said Papagni. “In spite of all of that, the Pioneers came out flying against the Newburyport Clippers, last year’s Cape Ann League Large (Division) winners.”
Crushes Revere
The Pioneers kept rolling and pounded Revere 14-3 April 22.
Lynnfield jumped to a 10-0 lead at halftime after nine players scored during the first half. Razzaboni scored four goals and had an assist. Junior Jesse Valway scored two goals. Freitas finished with two goals. Garrity, Kinnon, Finn, Miller and sophomores Nick Metrano and sophomore Ryan Frasier each scored one goal against the Patriots.
The Pioneers’ younger players received significant playing time during the second half because Papagni said the locals “weren’t about to embarrass their opponent.” He said Corona, sophomore Nick Moreschi, junior Jimmy Whelan, sophomore Tyler Murphy, junior David Mineo, Gianluka Alfe and Zach Hung all played well during the second half.
Additionally, freshman goalie Tom Deady played well in net for the Pioneers.
“It was an opportunity for our younger players to compete at the varsity level, so (assistant) coach (Pat) Lamusta and I were able to evaluate players for more varsity time down the road, said Papagni. “We saw some good things.”
In addition to earning the decisive victory over Revere, Papagni had a chance to reminisce with former Lynnfield assistant coach and current Revere head coach Steve Magno before the game.
“It was a brief enjoyable homecoming,” said Papagni. “Steve and I had some successful times while he was here and we did reminisce about the Robertos, Hennesseys, Hutchisons, Panzinis, Leydons and the whole group of alumni, great kids all of them.”
Upcoming games
The Pioneers faced Pentucket on Tuesday, April 26, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield travels to Masconomet on Thursday, April 28, beginning at 4 p.m.
“This week will test our physical, mental and emotional abilities as we play two very capable opponents,” said Papagni. “We are all looking forward to the challenge.”
