THE 10th-SEEDED Pioneers had a terrific run in the Div. 3 state tournament including a 2-0 win over No. 7 Hanover on the road in the Round of 16. Lynnfield fell to No. 2 Sandwich in the state quarterfinals, ending their season at 16-2-3 overall. (Courtesy Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
SANDWICH — After winning its first two playoff games, the season came to an end for the Lynnfield High field hockey team in the MIAA Division 3 quarterfinals last Friday afternoon as they were shut out by host Sandwich, 6-0.
With the loss, the 10th-seeded Pioneers ended the year at 16-2-3. The second-seeded Blue Knights, meanwhile, improved to 18-1-2 as they will take on West Bridgewater in the state semifinals on Wednesday evening.
Quinn Jordan led the way for the Blue Knights as she recorded a hat trick.
It was the 16th shutout of the year for Sandwich, who is one of the elite programs in the state.
“They are a great opponent and they outplayed us today,” admitted Pioneers head coach Kerri Doherty.
Lynnfield goalkeeper, Bridget McGee, was very busy in net as she had 13 saves as most of the game was played in Pioneers territory.
In the Round of 16 on Nov. 4, the Pioneers upset host Hanover, 2-0, at Gerrish Field.
As the first quarter ended, the Pioneers were awarded a corner and scored as Lauren Mattia took a shot just wide of the net and Izzy Fiorentino gathered it and put the ball home.
The second goal came with 7:21 remaining in the third quarter and even with a man down due to a penalty, as Sophia Morgese scored with Mattia picking up her second assist of the day.
The Hawks put on the pressure in the fourth quarter with three comers but the Pioneers were able to preserve the shutout.
McGee had nine saves in net including a penalty stroke late in the first quarter.
“The energy rose and the momentum shifted towards us,” said Doherty, about that stroke save.
With the loss, the 7th-seeded Hawks ended the year at 14-4.
“It was a really great day for this team,” stated Doherty. “The girls wanted it more and we went there on a focused mission knowing it was gonna be a battle and it was.”