Published in the May 9, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — Last Friday afternoon, the Lynnfield High girls’ lacrosse team won at North Reading, 19-9. With that win, the Pioneers improved to 6-4 overall and 4-2 in the Cape Ann League.

Lynnfield took a 10-4 lead into the half and never let the lead dip below six throughout the duration of the second-half.

“Sophia (Ellis) was an integral part of establishing the first-half lead with strong on-ball defense while contributing mightily to the offensive transition,” said Pioneers head coach Ethan Blanchette, as Ellis led the team in ground balls with four.

LIZ SYKES scores a goal against North Reading during Lynnfield’s 19-9 victory over the Hornets on May 4. (John Friberg Photo)

Juniors Ashley Barrett and Olivia Sarni scored five goals apiece to pace the offense, which saw seven different players score, including sophomore Maddie Burke, who notched her first-career varsity goal. Senior captain, Liv Smyrnios, contributed at every level, scoring three goals, while causing four turnovers and gathering four ground balls. Senior defender Hannah Filipe was second on the team causing three turnovers of her own, while sophomore midfielder Tori Morelli continued her strong play on the draw circle with six draw-controls to lead the Pioneers, while also adding four ground balls of her own.

Topped by Lexington

The day before, the Pioneers fell at Lexington, 15-6, in a non-league game. The Minutemen, who are the first-place team in the Middlesex League, led this one, 11-3, at the half.

“They won the draws at a 16-7 clip and controlled the play for the majority of the first half,” pointed out Blanchette.

Barrett scored three goals and Gracie Sperling scored a goal and added two draw controls, three ground balls and two caused turnovers to pace the Pioneers.

Pioneer goalkeeper Grace Magno made 12 saves in net as she was kept busy all day.

Conquer Generals

On Tuesday, May 1, the Pioneers beat guest Hamilton-Wenham, 14-10.

The Pioneers jumped out to a fast start, taking a 4-0 lead with just over five minutes gone in the first half, but the visiting Generals reeled off four consecutive goals to tie the game.

Lynnfield then outscored the Generals, 3-1, the rest of the half to lead by two at the break.

“Tori (Morelli) was a standout,” stated Blanchette. “She controlled an important, and season-high, nine draw controls”

Morelli also recorded a hat trick and one assist as well.

Barrett scored five goals, while Smyrnios add four. Sophomore defender, Mac Schenna, led the team with four ground balls.

This Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., the Pioneers visit Ipswich. They then host Pentucket next Monday night at 6:30 p.m.