Post-publication update: October 6, 2025 Lynnfield (2), Manchester Essex (2)
Post-publication update: October 1, 2025, Lynnfield 6, Triton 0
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NEWBURYPORT — First place in the Cape Ann League Kinney Division was on the line on Monday afternoon as the Lynnfield High field hockey team visited Newburyport on a warm, sunny day.
After beating the Clippers 2-1 in the season opener on Sept. 3, this game ended in a 2-2 tie.
“We had the target on our backs but we were able to set the tone early and they had to match it,” said Pioneers head coach Kerri Doherty. “Our defense played very well and I was pleased.”
After a scoreless first quarter, the Pioneers scored first with 5:07 left in the second. Sophia Morgese had the goal assisted by Nola Maney and Izzy Fiorentino.
The Clippers tied it with 13:15 left in the third quarter as Olivia Wilson scored.
LHS regained the lead with 2:45 remaining in the third as Morgese scored off a rebound.
With 13:12 left in the game, Meredith Buelke tied it up scoring the final goal of the afternoon.
Pioneer sophomore goalkeeper, Bridget McGee, recorded nine saves to go to 1-0-1 in net.
With that result, the Pioneers held onto first place in the league going to 7-0-1 in the CAL and 7-1-1 overall. Meanwhile, the Clippers went to 8-1-1 overall and 6-1-1 in the league.
On Sept. 25, the Pioneers shut out guest Ipswich, 2-0, in the rain.
The Pioneers scored both goals in the opening half and both were unassisted. Lauren Mattia had the first-period goal while Maney had the tally in the second period.
McGee made her first varsity start in net and she recorded six saves.
“Maney and Mattia connected on some beautiful threads and were able to net goals against last year’s league Player of the Year and Lehigh commit, Abbey Allen, who played outstanding for them,” said Doherty. “We dominated and I was happy we were able to pull out the win despite the elements and injuries we have.”
Doherty also wanted to praise the play of sophomore Grace Allen who plays center-midfielder.
“She is a natural athlete and has done a great job on defense,” stated Doherty.
The next game for the Pioneers is on Oct. 1 as they visit Triton at 3 p.m. up in Byfield. The Pioneers clobbered the Vikings in the first match-up on Sept. 5 winning 7-0.
On Oct. 6, Lynnfield visits Manchester-Essex with that game staring at 4 p.m. This will be the lone meeting of the season between the two schools as the Hornets are in the CAL Baker Division.
Last Friday, the first MIAA power rankings of the fall came out and Lynnfield was ranked 8th in Div. 3.