Published January 13, 2021
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High girls’ basketball team improved to 1-1 on Monday night as they beat guest North Reading 37-27. The Pioneers led 21-15 at the half as the Hornets were never able to get closer than six points in the second half.
“We played pretty good defense,” said Pioneer head coach Jeannine Cavallaro. “We held their best player to only one 3-pointer.”
Cavallaro knows her offense needs some work.
“We have to work on our timing and we have to stay out of foul trouble – that hurt our offense as well,” she said.
Ava Buonfiglio led the team in scoring as the senior tri-captain had 10 points.
Sophomore forward Maggie Ozanian added eight points while junior forward Riley Hallahan chipped in six points.
Lynnfield played its season opener on Friday night as they replaced Amesbury as an opponent against guest Pentucket. The Pioneers ended up losing that game, 58-39.
“We found out the day before that we were playing them and we didn’t have the time to prepare,” explained Cavallaro. “They also have a very good team.”
Lynnfield was down 26-18 at the half and then had trouble with the Sachems press which caused several turnovers leading into several easy baskets as the visitors increased their lead to 44-26 heading into the fourth quarter.
“Their trap really hurt us,” acknowledged Cavallaro.
Senior co-captain Caroline Waisnor led the Pioneers with 15 points while Buonfiglio and senior captain Grace Klonsky both added six points each.
Abby Dube led the Sachems in scoring with 10 points while Lana Mickelson and Arielle Cleveland were right behind with nine points each.
On Wednesday night (Jan. 13), the Pioneers visit Newburyport. They then host Rockport on Jan. 15.
Lynnfield will then play Pentucket again on Jan. 19 with that game on the road. Tip-off is at 5:45 p.m. for all three contests.
