FRESHMAN FORWARD Bella Carroll (15) evades an Austin Prep defender while bringing the ball up the field during the girls’ soccer team’s 3-1 loss to the Cougars in the Division 3 State Tournament’s round of 32 on Nov. 6. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

 

By DAN TOMASELLO

READING — The girls’ soccer team’s season came to a close on Nov. 6 when the 24th seeded Pioneers fell 3-1 to ninth seed Austin Prep in the Division 3 State Tournament’s round of 32 at Father Seymour Field.

“The girls left everything on the field,” said Pioneers head coach Mark Vermont. “They gave everything they had, which is what you ask for as a coach. I am very proud of them.”

The Pioneers asserted a great deal of offensive pressure on the Cougars throughout the first half, but Austin Prep’s defense kept Lynnfield’s forwards and midfielders at bay.

Austin Prep sophomore Sydney DeRoche gave the Cougars a 1-0 lead with 19:25 remaining in the first half. The Cougars had three other chances to score, but senior captain Sam Bunar stopped Austin Prep in its tracks after coming up with three big saves in net. Sophomore defender Keely Briggs also deflected another Austin Prep shot attempt.

Lynnfield stormed out of the gate during the second half. Sophomore midfielder Ally Sykes tied the game at one after she converted on a penalty kick with 31:41 remaining in the second frame.

Austin Prep jumped out to a 2-1 lead with eight minutes remaining in the game after junior midfielder Ayla Urquizo scored on a penalty kick. A number of Lynnfield fans in attendance were upset with the game’s referees after a handball penalty was called.

DeRoche gave the Cougars a 3-1 lead after she found the back of the net 7:23 into the second half.

“Austin Prep caught us off guard on that third goal,” said Vermont.

The Pioneers tried rallying late in the game, but Austin Prep hung on for the 3-1 victory.

“We controlled a lot of the game,” said Vermont. “I am really proud of the girls. They took it to Austin Prep, and played a tough and physical game.”

Bunar recorded seven saves in net against the Cougars.

Vermont said the Pioneers’ seniors, including Bunar, captain Lexi Veglia, midfielder Anna Radulski, and defenders Marissa Corvi, Abby Adamo, Lanah Rosenwald, Lucy Cleary and Mariella Calvani played well for the Pioneers. Senior captain Adri Parisi did not play in the state tournament after suffering a season-ending injury in early October, but she attended the game and repeatedly cheered on her teammates.

“Everyone of the seniors led the way out there,” said Vermont.

Vermont said the Pioneers’ promising young nucleus played well in their first state tournament.

“Our younger players really stepped up,” said Vermont.

Austin Prep previously defeated Lynnfield in the 2018 Division 3 North quarterfinals.

With the exception of Parisi and Radulski, Vermont said the 2021 season marked the first time the vast majority of the Pioneers played in the tournament.

“The girls kept smiling throughout the game because they were having fun,” said Vermont.

Lynnfield concluded the season with a 10-6-4 record.

“The girls did a great job this year,” said Vermont. “It was nice to be back playing a full season.”

Defeats Greater Lowell

The Pioneers began the Division 3 State Tournament by shutting out Greater Lowell Tech 5-0 during a preliminary round contest at Pioneer Stadium on Nov. 4.

“It felt great opening the tournament with a win,” said Vermont. “It has been awhile since we opened the tournament with a win. Greater Lowell played a good game. They were strong defensively, and they didn’t make it easy. We moved the ball well and worked hard to get the win.”

Sykes scored Lynnfield’s first goal 3:52 into the first half. Adamo had the assist.

After Radulski completed a free kick with 13:55 remaining in the first half, freshman midfielder Emma Rose raced to the ball and nailed a shot past Greater Lowell’s goalie. Rose scored eight goals this fall.

Lynnfield had a 2-0 lead at halftime.

Raduski gave the Pioneers a 3-0 lead at the 27:42 mark of the second half. Sykes had the assist off a corner kick.

“Anna and Ally did a nice job in the midfield for us,” said Vermont.

Sophomore Catie Kampersal scored her first varsity goal with 11:26 remaining in the second half. Freshman Sarah Powers had the assist.

Freshman forward Bella Carroll scored the Pioneers’ final goal with six minutes remaining in the contest after she received a pass from Kampersal.

Bunar had three saves in the cage for the Pioneers.

“Sam did a nice job cleaning stuff up and coming off her line,” said Vermont.

Vermont recalled that the Pioneers brought up Kampersal from the JV team for the state tournament.

“Catie played a nice game,” said Vermont.

Vermont said Corvi, Cleary, Rosenwald and Briggs played strong defensive games against Greater Lowell Tech.

“They played very well,” said Vermont. “Sophomore Addie Connelly also came in and did a nice job for us.”

Four all-stars

Four members of the Pioneers were named as Cape Ann League All-Stars last week. Two players were also named Eastern Massachusetts All-Stars.

Parisi was named as an Eastern Massachusetts First Team All-Star as well as a CAL First Team All-Star. Bunar was selected as an Eastern Massachusetts Second Team All-Star and a CAL First Team All-Star.

Veglia was selected as a CAL Second Team All-Star. Radulski was named as a CAL Second Team All-Star.

“I am very proud of Adri, Sam, Lexi and Anna,” said Vermont. “They have worked very hard and deserve to be selected as all-stars.”