Published in the April 6, 2016 edition
SENIOR CAPTAINS, from left, Pat Garrity, Max Robert, Jack Ganter and Trevor Caswell are looking to help the boys’ lacrosse team return to the Division 3 North state tournament this season. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The boys’ lacrosse team is back on the field and is looking to make some noise in the Cape Ann League this spring.
The Pioneers concluded the 2015 season with an overall record of 16–6. Lynnfield defeated Saugus 18–2 in the first round of the Division 3 North state tournament, which was Lynnfield’s first state tournament victory in team history. The locals pounded Mystic Valley 22–7 in the Division 3 North quarterfinals. The Pioneers fell 9–8 to Ipswich in the semifinals, which ended Lynnfield’s 13–game winning streak.
“We graduated Jon Knee, Chad Martin, Jake Forgione, Dan Sullivan, Mike Look, Victor Buonfiglio and their 215 points and 150 goals,” said Pioneers head coach Joe Papagni. “Replacing their offensive output will be difficult.”
Senior captains Pat Garrity, Trevor Caswell, Max Robert and Jack Ganter will lead the Pioneers this season.
“They are quality lacrosse players as well as quality young men, who have set lofty goals for themselves and their teammates,” said Papagni.
The Pioneers will also be welcoming back starters Matt Miller, Brenden Rothwell, Alex Soden, Nick Kinnon and Anthony Coletta. Senior Ricky Johnson is also returning to the field. Papagni expects Johnson to “significantly contribute after missing (last) season with an injury.”
Lynnfield is welcoming several newcomers this spring. Papagni said the promising new seniors are CJ Finn, John Caruso, Greg Miles and Parker Rhode. The juniors who will be playing important roles this season are Kingsley Corona, Jesse Valway, Ryan Freitas, James Whalen and David Mineo.
According to Papagni, the sophomores “that should contribute” this season are Nic Metrano, Peter Look, Ryan Frasier and Nick Moreschi.
Papagni said the Pioneers have high hopes for the season.
“Our expectation is to compete to win our league and make the MIAA tournament,” said Papagni. “Our league is very competitive as is our non-league schedule, but Ipswich, North Reading, Hamilton-Wenham, Masco and Newburyport all are tough.”
Papagni said the Pioneers have been focusing on both offensive and defensive skills during the preseason. He said this will continue to be a focus area during the beginning of the season.
“We will be working on offensive and defensive schemes that will match our players’ strengths, especially developing an offensive approach,” said Papagni. “We return three defensive poles with other players competing to break into the starting line-up. Finding and developing a core of defensive middies will be a priority for us.”
Upcoming games
The Pioneers travel to Arlington on Wednesday, April 6, beginning at 3:45 p.m. Lynnfield will play its home opener against Belmont on Saturday, April 9, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The locals travel to North Reading on Friday, April 15, beginning at 4 p.m.
