Published in the November 11, 2015 edition
JUNIOR Katie Nugent (8) nails a shot over the net during the Pioneers’ 3-0 win over Lowell Catholic in the Division 3 North quarterfinals Nov. 7. Nugent finished with 10 kills, seven digs and two aces against the Crusaders. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LOWELL — The eighth seeded volleyball team punched its ticket to the Division 3 North semifinals after the Pioneers defeated number one seed Lowell Catholic 3-0 in a quarterfinal matchup Nov. 7.
“It was a tough one,” said Pioneers head coach Michelle Perrone. “Lowell Catholic is a very good team.”
The Pioneers’ match against Lowell Catholic was more evenly played than the locals’ tournament opener against Boston International.
Lynnfield took an early 10-7 lead in the first set but the Crusaders repeatedly went on runs to keep the set close. The Pioneers had a 20-17 lead before going on a 5-2 run en route to a 25-19 first set victory.
The Pioneers jumped out to an early 3-1 lead in the second set before Lowell Catholic went on a 6-2 run to take a 7-5 lead. Lynnfield regrouped and went on a 4-0 run to take a 9-7 lead.
Lowell Catholic came storming back to take a 14-12 lead halfway through the second set. Lynnfield responded by going on a 7-4 run to take a 19-18 lead.
Lynnfield closed out the second set by going on a 6-5 run to narrowly win the second set 25-23.
“We didn’t maintain our typical tempo,” said Perrone of the second set. “I think we got a little bit nervous. But once we settled down, we played our game.”
The third set was similar to the second set with both the Pioneers and Crusaders exchanging points early. The Pioneers had an early 6-5 lead then went on a 6-1 run to take an 12-6 lead.
Lynnfield kept rolling and increased its lead to 16-9, prompting Lowell Catholic to call a timeout. The Crusaders briefly clawed their way back into the contest but Lowell Catholic’s momentum was short-lived. The Pioneers won the third set 25-19.
Perrone praised the Pioneers’ performance against a scrappy Lowell Catholic squad.
“We just tried to maintain our momentum and play our game,” said Perrone.
Senior captain Jess Dwyer played a strong all-around game for the Pioneers, finishing with 19 digs.
“Jess had a great game tonight passing-wise and serving-wise,” said Perrone. “She did a really nice job.”
Junior Rebecca Albanese had 13 digs and an ace. Junior Katie Nugent finished with 10 kills, seven digs and two aces. Junior Olivia Pascucci had eight kills and five digs. Senior Shannon Ryan had 15 assists and seven digs.
Junior Jessica Badger had five kills and a dig.
“(Badger) had some key hits at the right time,” said Perrone. “She did a nice job.”
Senior captain Mary Kate Deighan had four kills and a dig against Lowell Catholic. Junior Laura Mucci had 11 assists and two aces.
Perrone said the Pioneers’ quarterfinals contest against Lowell Catholic served as a building block for the locals’ Division 3 North semifinals contest against the Academy of Notre Dame, which took place on Tuesday, Nov. 10 after the Villager went to press.
“In the tournament, every win is a momentum builder,” said Perrone. “You just accelerate and accelerate until the end.”
