SENIOR CAPTAIN Jonathan Knee (10) scored a goal and had an assist during the Pioneers’ 10-7 loss to Bedford on Friday, April 24 at Pioneer Stadium. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ lacrosse team lost both of its games last week, bringing the Pioneers’ record this season to 3-5.
The Pioneers began last week falling 16-12 to Newburyport on Tuesday, April 21.
The Clippers jumped out to an early 5-0 lead during the first quarter, which frustrated Pioneers head coach Joe Papagni.
“It was a disappointing start to vacation week falling behind Newburyport but we made our own bed early by standing around watching a skilled Newburyport team score at will,” said Papagni.
Lynnfield regrouped during the second quarter and scored six goals. Senior captains Jake Forgione and Chad Martin each scored two goals. Senior captain Mike Look and junior Pat Garrity each scored one goal, cutting Newburyport’s lead to three.
“We woke up and Newburyport started standing around watching us in the second quarter and it was a 9-6 game at half time,” said Papagni.
The Pioneers’ cut the Clippers lead to two in the beginning of the third quarter after Martin scored his third goal of the contest. Newburyport took advantage of a couple of Lynnfield penalties and scored three quick goals.
Lynnfield battled back after senior Jon Knee, junior Matt Miller and Garrity each scored a goal, making the game 14-10. Martin and Forgione each scored a goal during the fourth quarter. However, the Clippers scored two goals late during the fourth quarter and hung on for the 16-12 victory.
“We just got off to an uncharacteristic bad start, fought back and concentrated on what we are capable of doing and just game up short to a tough opponent,” said Papagni.
In addition to Martin’s four goals, he also finished with two assists. Forgione finished with a hat trick and an assist. Garrity had five assists along with his two goals. Miller had a goal and an assist and Nick Kinnon had one assist.
Junior goalie Jack Ganter finished with 13 saves in net for the Pioneers.
Falls to Bedford
The Pioneers lost 10-7 to Bedford on Friday, April 24.
The Buccaneers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first quarter. The locals fought back during the second quarter, as Garrity and Knee each scored a goal, making the contest 4-2 at the break. Ganter also stepped up with eight big saves, which Papagni said gave the Pioneers “the confidence to fight back.”
The third quarter was a back and forth contest between both teams. After Bedford scored two goals, Martin and Look each scored a goal, making the game 6-4. The Buccaneers scored two late third quarter goals, making the game 8-4 at the end of the third.
Down by four heading into the fourth quarter, Papagni inserted some of the younger players into the line-up. Garrity, Forgione and freshman Ryan Freitas each scored a goal, making the game 8-7. Bedford scored two late goals to secure the 10-7 victory.
Garrity finished with two goals and four assists. Martin had a goal and an assist. Look, Knee, Forgione and Freitas each scored one goal. Miller had an assist.
Upcoming games
The Pioneers faced Pentucket on Tuesday, April 21, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield hosts archrival North Reading on Friday, May 1, beginning at 7 p.m. at Pioneer Stadium.
“We just need to keep working hard in practice developing varsity players for the remaining games,” said Papagni. “I am still confident that we will accomplish our goals.”
