THE LHS field hockey team celebrates after their 1-0 win over previously undefeated North Reading on Sept. 18. (Courtesy Photo)

 

 

After press time:
Lynnfield falls to Sutton 2-0 (Oct. 5)
Lynnfield defeats Chelmsford 2-0 (Oct. 3)

 

Published October 2, 2024

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — On Sept. 25, the Lynnfield High field hockey team was edged by guest Manchester-Essex, 1-0, on a cloudy, mild day.

With the defeat, the Pioneers’ record dropped to 4-2-2 overall and in the Cape Ann League while the Hornets improved to 6-1-1 overall and 5-1-1 in the league.

“We were neck-and-neck with them in the first quarter,” said Pioneers head coach Kerri Doherty. “They scored early in the second and put us on our heels in the second and third quarters. We then peppered their goalie (Brigid Carovillano) in the fourth but she made some big saves.”

Carovillano is going to the University of North Carolina on a scholarship to play goalie in lacrosse.

“You can tell she is a Division 1 athlete the way she is in net,” said Doherty.

Doherty, despite the loss, was pleased with the play of junior Lily Alves, sophomore Lauren Mattia and sophomore Hayden Valiton.

“Lily was dominant at center-back and Lauren and Hayden also played very well,” said Doherty.

On Sept. 23, the Pioneers tied Pentucket, 1-1, at home.

The Panthers scored with two minutes left in the first quarter and held that lead until the third quarter as junior Cam Munion tied it assisted by Mattia.

MacDonald made five saves against the Panthers.

“They came out strong but after the first quarter, we dominated in the final three quarters,” said  Doherty. “This was a great game for our growth the way we were able to come back.”

On Sept. 18, the Pioneers notched their biggest win of the season so far as they shut out rival North Reading, 1-0, on the road.

It was the first loss of the season for the Hornets.

“That was the best win for us so far,” said Doherty. “Not only did North Reading beat Manchester-Essex this season, they also beat Newburyport as well.”

Junior Izzy Fiorentino was the hero scoring the lone goal of the afternoon in the third quarter with a tip in. Senior captain Taylor Valiton and senior captain Gia Marotta were both credited with the assists.

MacDonald posted the shutout with six stops.

The home game against Triton scheduled for Sept. 30 was postponed due to busing issues (make-up date unknown as of press time).

Lynnfield will host non-league Chelmsford on Thursday at 4 p.m.

They then welcome Sutton at 1 p.m. on Saturday in another non-league game.

The Pioneers return to CAL action on Oct. 7 as they go to Rockport with that game starting at 4 p.m.

On Oct. 9, they host North Andover at 6 p.m. in the Play for a Cure Game to support the fight against cancer.

There will be raffles and other things going on that evening as Doherty would love to see a big turnout. The Pioneers will wear special pink uniforms and the Lynnfield youth field hockey program will also be there.