THE LHS volleyball team won the Cape Ann League championship last year. They open their season at home on Monday, Sept. 6 at 5:30 p.m. (File Photo)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — In the Fall 2 season last spring, the Lynnfield High volleyball team went 13-1 overall. They won the Cape Ann League regular season title and also won its league postseason championship as there was no state tournament due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fourth-year head coach Brent Ashley lost five seniors to graduation from that outfit but he did return five veterans when fall practice stated on Aug. 23.

The two 12th-graders back are Sarah Foley (setter) and Natalie Connell (right side hitter).

Grace Davie (middle hitter), Celia Carbone (setter) and CAL All-Star, Ella Gizmunt (outside hitter) are the three juniors returning..

Due to realignment by the MIAA, the Pioneers have dropped from Division 2 to Division 4.

“Some of the other power teams have also dropped to Division 4,” pointed out Ashley, as the road to the state championship does not get any easier with the move.

The first week of practice was tough last week.

“It has been very hard because the girls have to wear masks,” acknowledged Ashley.

SARAH FOLEY (10) will team up with Natalie Connell as the two senior leaders for the Lynnfield High volleyball team this season. (File Photo)

 

The players will have to wear the masks during their matches, otherwise, the other rules are back to normal.

Lynnfield had its first scrimmage at Melrose on Aug. 31 and will then go to Andover High for a Jamboree on Sept. 3 as they will face teams like Andover, Danvers and Winchester.

That event will start at 9 a.m.

The Pioneers will have a busy regular season schedule with 20 games. They will play their Cape Ann League opponents twice and then play six non-league matches.

Lynnfield will play North Andover twice, Masconomet, Lynn Classical, Arlington Catholic and Reading for their non-league contest.

Lynnfield will be the favorites to win the league crown again as they are gunning for their fourth consecutive league title.

“We have strong serving, two liberos and a lot of depth,” said Ashley, about his roster. “We have the chance to have a special team this year.”

Ashley feels that Newburyport and Ipswich will be the team’s biggest challengers this fall in the CAL.

On Labor Day, the Pioneers will open the season at home against Triton. That match will start at 5:30 p.m.