Lynnfield girls’ track team conquers Generals in season opener

THE LHS 4×400 relay team took first place with a time of 4:59 in a win over Hamilton-Wenham on Dec. 12. Pictured from left to right is Olivia Goguen, Caitlin Buoniconti, Gabby Bottaro and Libby Considine. (Courtesy Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

BOSTON — In their season opener on Dec. 12, the Lynnfield High girls’ indoor track and field team beat Hamilton-Wenham, 65-37, at The Track at New Balance in Brighton.

“It felt nice,” said Pioneers head coach Adam Dell’Aria. “The girls were very excited after not winning a meet last year.”

Five individuals came in first for the Pioneers. Kaila George won the 600 meters (1:55) while Caitlin Buoniconti captured the 1,000 meters (3:43.5).

The other three winners were Hannah Ozanian (45.44 in the 300-meters), Clara Caulfield (4-6 in the high jump) and Emilie Bell (27-11 in the shot-put).

Ozanian’s time in the 300 was also a state qualifier.

Both relay teams also won. Caulfield, Ozanian, Ava Willoughby and Emma Greenleaf had a winning time of 1:55.8 in the 4×200 relay.

Buoniconti, Olivia Goguen, Libby Considine and Gabby Bottaro won the 4×400 relay with a time of 4:59.

The Pioneers had eight second-place finishes led by Lily Rocco who was second in the 55-meters (8.15) and the 300-meters (49.11).

Caulfield (11.06 in the 55-meters hurdles), George (13-8 in the long jump), Lauren Mattia (1:56 in the 600-meters), Abby Lopez (4:02 in the 1,000-meters), Lily White (4-6 in the high jump) and Lily Alves (25-11 in the shot-put) were the six other second-place finishes.

Caulfield won the tiebreaker over White in the high jump.

Six Pioneers placed third, Willoughby in the 55-meters (8.41), Goguen in the 600 (2:11), Bottaro in the mile (6:09), Lopez in the shot-put (23-7), Viola Wertz in the two mile (13:42) and Adriana Buccillo in the high jump (4-2).

Some team members will be competing in the Distance Classic on Dec. 28 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston.

Then, on Jan. 6, the Pioneers will participate in the Freshman-Sophomore Meet (small school) also at the Reggie Lewis Center.

Both the Distance Classic and Freshman-Sophomore Meet will start at 10 a.m.