SENIOR CAPTAINS, from left, Ally Sykes, Ava Gamache and Keely Briggs will be leading the girls’ soccer team this fall. (Dan Tomasello Photo)
Updates post publication:
Lynnfield defeats Triton 8-0 (Sept. 5)
Lynnfield defeats Newburyport 4-0 (Sept. 7)
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The girls’ soccer team is back on field and is ready to make some noise in the Cape Ann League once again.
The Pioneers concluded the 2022 season with an 8-7-4 record. Lynnfield qualified for the Division 3 state tournament, but the 17th seeded Pioneers fell 1-0 to 16th seed Swampscott in the Round of 32.
With a strong nucleus returning to the field, the Pioneers have high expectations for the 2023 season.
“I am excited,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “Everyone is working very hard. We have good leadership and a lot of experience coming back.”
Vermont said the 2023 season will mark the first time the Pioneers will be playing in Division 4.
“This is my 23rd season coaching, and we have been in Division 3 as long as I have been here,” said Vermont. “We were the smallest Division 3 school, and we have dropped down to Division 4. It was based on Lynnfield High School’s enrollment.”
Three senior captains will be leading the Pioneers this fall, including midfielder Ally Sykes.
“Ally is an excellent leader who has great speed,” said Vermont. “She is very good at moving the ball.”
Senior captain Ava Gamache will be the Pioneers’ starting goalie once again.
“Ava is very hardworking and is confident in goal,” said Vermont.
Senior captain Keely Briggs is one of the Pioneers’ key defenders returning this fall.
“Keely is composed in the back and has good speed,” said Vermont. “She is an excellent leader.”
Juniors Emma Rose and Clara Caulfield will be leading the midfield this season.
“Emma and Clara are very composed players who are highly technical and skilled,” said Vermont.
Junior Bella Carroll will be playing forward once again this fall.
“Bella has great speed and tenacity,” said Vermont.
Junior Lily Rocco will be serving as one of the Pioneers’ defensive specialists.
“Lily has tremendous speed,” said Vermont.
Junior Ariana Guarracino will also be playing defense.
“Ariana is a tenacious player who has good speed,” said Vermont.
Junior Ella Hayman will be splitting time between defense and midfield once again.
“Ella has a good understanding of the game,” said Vermont.
Junior Katie Connelly will be also be playing both defense and midfield.
“Katie is a versatile player,” said Vermont. “She plays outside defense and outside midfield.”
Senior Catie Kampersal will be rotating between midfield and forward.
“Catie has good speed and is aggressive,” said Vermont. “She has good vision as well.”
Senior Addison Connelly will be playing defense once again.
“Addison has a good first touch,” said Vermont.
Senior Megan Woods will be rotating between defense and forward.
“Megan is a hardworking and versatile player,” said Vermont.
The Pioneers are also welcoming back two returning sophomores, including midfielder Bella Sykes.
“Bella is excellent on the ball,” said Vermont. “She is very good technically and tactically.”
Sophomore Hannah Ozanian will be playing outside midfield.
“Hannah has good composure and good speed,” said Vermont.
Sophomore forward Ava Cook, freshman forward Kaylee Barrett, freshman midfielder Giada Antidormi and freshman defender Avery Haney round out the Pioneers’ roster.
Vermont said the Pioneers’ biggest strengths this season will be its experience and depth.
“We have a lot of experience and a lot of depth skill wise,” said Vermont. “We just need to work on playing together and finishing our opportunities.”
Upcoming games
The Pioneers traveled to Triton on Tuesday, Sept. 5, taking place after deadline. Lynnfield travels to Essex Tech on Tuesday, Sept. 12, beginning at 4 p.m. The Pioneers host Georgetown on Thursday, Sept. 14, beginning at 4 p.m.
