Published November 20, 2019
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
BRAINTREE — An outstanding season came to an end for the Lynnfield High field hockey team in the Division 2 state semifinals as they were edged 2-1 by Dover-Sherborn last Thursday night at chilly Braintree High School.
With that defeat, the Div. 2 North champion Pioneers ended the season at 16-5. Dover-Sherborn, meanwhile, beat Hopedale 4-1 on Saturday at Worcester Poly Tech to win the state title as they finished 21-1-2.
It is their first state crown since 1974.
LILY ROTHWELL (12) scored Lynnfield’s only goal of their state semifinal matchup with Dover-Sherborn on Saturday, assisted by classmate Carolyn Garofoli (16). The two captains had terrific seasons to help lead the Pioneers to their first North Sectional championship since 2000. (Dan Pawlowski File Photo)
The Pioneers scored the first goal 9:12 into the first half as Lily Rothwell scored assisted by Carolyn Garofoli.
The South champion Raiders tied it up with 16:04 left in the game as Abigail Gramer scored on a rebound.
The game-winning goal came with 6:36 left as Caitlin O’Connell was the hero scoring in a scrum in front of the Pioneer net.
Lynnfield did get two corners after that goal but couldn’t capitalize as the Raiders held on.
“We had some opportunities but couldn’t get it into the net,” said Pioneers head coach Mamie Reardon. “We had trouble capitalizing after that first goal.”
Pioneer goalie Ava O’Brien made five stops while Raider goalie Sabrina Ryan made four saves.
Reardon was also impressed with the Raiders.
“They are a fast and aggressive team,” said Reardon. “I thought that Watertown was a little better than them but they are a very good team. They did win it all so I give them credit.”
There were seven corners in the game as Lynnfield had five while the Raiders had two.
