UPDATE: Field hockey edges Essex Tech after winning Play 4 The Cure game

After press time:
Lynnfield defeats Essex Tech 1-0 (Oct. 16)

 

 

 

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

ROCKPORT — The Lynnfield High field hockey team shut out host Rockport, 4-0, on Columbus Day morning on a raw, damp day.

With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 8-2-2 overall and 6-2-2 in the Cape Ann League as they won their third-straight game.

This contest was scoreless at the half as Lynnfield erupted for three goals in the third period.

With 7:55 remaining, Cameron Munion scored assisted by Sophia Morgese.

Just 1:08 later, Lauren Mattia, assisted by Lily Alves and Gia Marotta, made it 2-0 off a corner.

Mia Capodilupo, who was making her first varsity start, had the third goal with 2:43 left.

For Capodilupo, it was a memorable day as it was her 16th birthday and she got awarded the game ball.

Marotta and Alves were credited with the assists.

The final tally came in the final minute of the game as Marotta scored assisted by Taylor Valiton off a corner.

Pioneer goalie, Lauren MacDonald, posted her second-consecutive shutout as she did not have to make a save.

It was her fifth shutout of the year as she improved to 8-2-2.

“It was a grass field that was very wet but the girls made the right adjustments,” said Pioneers head coach Kerri Doherty. “We have some great chances in the first half but their goalie was outstanding. But, we were able to break through in the second half.”

On Oct. 11, the Pioneers edged guest Newburyport 1-0, to get a split of the season series as the Clippers won the first meeting, 3-2, back on Sept. 6.

The lone goal came late in the third quarter as Valiton scored assisted by Izzy Fiorentino at the 12:14 mark on a break down the left side.

MacDonald turned back seven Clipper shots on net.

“That was a very big win for us,” stated Doherty. “We executed well, which is a testament for our team.”

Doherty also said it was their second biggest win of the season so far only behind the victory over rival North Reading.

On Oct. 9, the Pioneers edged guest North Andover, 2-1, in non-league action.

Morgese led off the scoring in the game’s opening minute assisted by Marotta and Mattia a minute into the game.

Fiorentino assisted by Valiton with 4:56 remaining in the first quarter, made it 2-0.

The Scarlet Knights got on the board with 2:39 left in the second quarter as the game went scoreless in the second half.

MacDonald had five saves.

That game was the team’s Play for a Cure Game to support the fight against breast cancer.

“It was amazing to see the youth players all watching wearing their pink uniforms,” said Doherty. “It was a very good night for field hockey in Lynnfield.”

The Pioneers visit Essex Tech up in Danvers on Oct. 16 at 4 p.m. looking for the season sweep as they beat the Hawks, 2-1, back on Sept. 9.

They then host Triton on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. In the season opener on Sept. 4, the Pioneers beat the Vikings by a count of 3-1.

It will be an emotional night for Doherty on Oct. 21 as the Pioneers visit Amesbury at 6 p.m. Doherty was the Red Hawks coach the past four seasons before coming to Lynnfield this year.

“It is their senior night so it will be nice to see everybody there,” Doherty said.

The Pioneers entered this week seeded 5^th in the MIAA Division 4 power rankings.