Published in the April 12, 2017 edition
CAPTAIN Peter Look (7) scored three goals and had one assist during the boys’ lacrosse team’s 15-0 victory over Pope John April 7. (Kerrianne Allain Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ lacrosse team opened the 2017 season with three victories last week.
The Pioneers began last week defeating Bedford 4-3 on April 4.
Captain Peter Look scored the Pioneers’ first goal after being set up by junior Nick Metrano in the first quarter. The locals took a 1-0 lead at the end of the first.
Bedford tied the game at one after the Pioneers were given a penalty in the second quarter. The Buccaneers scored its second goal after converting a shot on a fast break.
Undaunted, Lynnfield played tough defense for the next five minutes. Look scored his second goal after driving past his defender, and nailed a shot past the Buccaneers’ goalie.
“Peter recognized that he could beat his defender and he did just that to give us another spark,” said Lynnfield head coach Joe Papagni.
Bedford scored its third goal with two minutes remaining before halftime after the locals were given another penalty. The Buccaneers took a 3-2 lead at the break.
The Pioneers tied the game at three after junior Jack Razzaboni found the back of the net in the beginning of the third quarter. Metrano had the assist.
“I know Jack’s ability,” said Papagni. “We saw an example of that ability all afternoon, and particularly on that possession. Jack had two or three dodges and drives past defenders, with good saves by the goalie. He continued to be persistent and scored a key tying goal for us.”
Sophomore GianLuca Alfe gave the Pioneers a 4-3 lead with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Papagni said the locals’ defense, led by senior James Whelan, sophomore Hunter Allain, sophomore Nick Buonfiglio, sophomore Harrison Drislane, junior Nick Moreschi, junior Anthony Murphy and junior Zachary Huynh, “all played tough, smart and smothering defense” against the Buccaneers.
Senior captain Kingsley Corona tallied 16 saves in net.
Papagni said the Pioneers’ victory over Bedford was a “nice win.”
“The only halftime adjustments we made were to realize that we were very capable of beating this team,” said Papagni. “We just have to eliminate the little mistakes, and we did just that. Peter Razzaboni won face offs; our offense played possession lacrosse; our defense played stifling defense and Kingsley made key saves. We didn’t just win the Division 3 championship, but we took a very positive step in identifying who we can become.
Kingsley Corona and Peter Look led by example, and their teammates followed the game plan to a script.”
Defeats Pope John
The Pioneers kept rolling and defeated Pope John 15-0 on April 7.
Look, Metrano and senior Ryan Freitas scored three goals apiece against the Pope John. Alfe and junior Ryan Fraser each scored two goals. Jack Razzaboni scored one goal, and freshman Peter Razzaboni scored one goal.
Freitas tallied four assists during the contest. Jack Razzaboni added two assists. Alfe, Huynh, Murphy, Metrano, Look and Fraser each had one assist.
Corona tallied 11 saves in net. The Pioneers also received strong defensive performances from Whelan, Buonfiglio, Drislane, Moreschi and senior David Mineo.
Papagni said Murphy, Huynh, sophomore Antonio Deluca, junior Brandon Tammaro and sophomore Steve Barrett played well in the midfield, which Papagni said the locals “are desperately looking for early in the season.”
Defeats Revere
The Pioneers concluded last week defeating Revere 13-4 April 8.
Revere took an early 2-0 lead when the Pioneers came storming back. Jack Razzaboni and Freitas each scored a goal, which tied the game at two with two minutes remaining in the first half. The Patriots scored a late goal at the end of the first, giving Revere a 3-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The Patriots scored its fourth goal in the beginning of the second quarter, giving Revere a 4-2 lead. The locals refused to go away quietly, as Look scored the Pioneers’ third goal after being set up by Jack Razzaboni. Revere took a 4-3 lead at halftime.
“Revere out worked us,” said Papagni about the Pioneers’ first half. “They played like they wanted the game more than us.”
The Pioneers made some adjustments during the second half, which included having Look begin taking face-offs. Freitas scored the Pioneers’ fourth goal in the beginning of the third quarter, which tied the game at four. Alfe gave the Pioneers a 5-4 lead after being set up by Freitas.
Lynnfield scored four more goals during the third quarter, which allowed the locals to take a 9-4 lead. Look scored two goals, which were both assisted by Freitas. Jack Razzaboni scored two goals as well, which were assisted by Look.
“Our leaders decided to take charge,” said Papagni. “It was as simple as that, and it was finally enjoyable to watch.”
The Pioneers scored four goals during the fourth quarter. Look scored two goals. Jack Razzaboni and Freitas each scored one goal.
Look concluded the contest with five goals and three goals. Jack Razzaboni had four goals and three assists. Freitas had three goals and three assists.
“After the game, the Pioneer coaching staff made a point that even though the Pioneers are 3-0, they now have to compete at a higher level as the league games begin (this week),” said Papagni.
