THE NEW CAPTAINS for the 2024 LHS field hockey team are, from left to right, Lauren MacDonald, Taylor Valiton and Gia Marotta. Valiton and Marotta were also recently named to the CAL All-Star team for 2023. (LHS Field Hockey Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — Two members of the Lynnfield High field hockey team were recently named to the Cape Ann League All-Star team that was voted on by the league’s coaches.
The two Pioneers to make the team were juniors Gia Marotta and Taylor Valiton as both girls made the all-stars for the first time in their careers.
Marotta, a midfielder, had two goals and eight assists while Valiton led the team in scoring as the forward had 26 points with 16 goals and 10 assists.
“Gia and Taylor were a key part of our team’s success this year,” said Pioneers head coach Samantha Pindara, who just completed her fourth year at the helm. “As a forward, Taylor was our leading scorer as well as the leader in assists. She was a starting midfielder last year and with this move up helped propel our offense to more scoring opportunities.”
Marotta spearheaded the Pioneers’ midfield this fall.
“Gia was our playmaker playing at our center-midfield role,” said Pindara. “She was involved in every play and uses her skill and knowledge of the game to get the ball where it needs to be.”
Lynnfield reached the MIAA Division 4 state tournament Round of 16 before losing to host Hopedale, 2-1, in overtime as they ended the year at 12-8-2.
In the CAL, they came in fifth place finishing 7-5-2.