Published February 13, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

BYFIELD — For the first time since 2015, the Lynnfield High girls’ basketball team is heading to the Division 3 state tournament. The Pioneers punched their ticket last Friday night as they won over host Triton, 47-18 up in Byfield. With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 10-8 overall and 6-8 in the Cape Ann League. They are in fifth place in the CAL Kinney division.

Lynnfield got off to a great start scoring the first 11 points of the night as they led 11-2 after the first quarter.

The Vikings struggled with the Pioneers’ defense and committed several turnovers.

“We mixed up our defense from zone to man-to-man and then also showed them a half-court trap to pressure the ball,” said Pioneers first-year head coach Peter Bocchino.

VICTORIA MORELLI scored 12 points to lead Lynnfield over Triton on Friday night. That win clinched a spot in the Div. 3 North Tournament for the Pioneers for the first time since 2015. (John Friberg Photo)

At the half, the Pioneers extended their advantage as they led 22-6 at halftime.

Lynnfield continued to pull away in the second half as they were able to complete the season sweep over the Vikings.

Victoria Morelli had a team-high 12 points while Ava Buonfiglio, who had three 3-pointers, added 11. Caroline Waisnor and Melissa Morelli both chipped in eight points each.

Riley Hallahan led the team in rebounds with nine.

“The girls were pumped,” stated Bocchino, as his young team does not have any seniors. “Now I have to get them grounded to finish out our last two games of the season to get a better seeding.”

Roll Royals

On Feb. 5, the Pioneers rolled over guest Georgetown, 45-15. Lynnfield took control early scoring the game’s first 16 points and never looked back against the overmatched Royals.

Lynnfield led this one by 20 (25-5) at halftime as they outscored the Royals 20-10 in the second half.

Victoria Morelli led the offense with 12 points while Waisnor added eight. Kate MacDonald chipped in seven while Hallahan added six. MacDonald and Hallahan each led the team in rebounds with seven each.

The next game for the Pioneers will be on Thursday as they welcome Newburyport at 6 p.m. looking to get a split of the season series.

Lynnfield wraps up the regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 19 as they visit Winthrop at 4 p.m. in a non-league contest.