Post publication updates:
Lynnfield defeats Wakefield, 13-12 (May 23)
Lynnfield defeats Georgetown, 19-6 (May 20)
Published May 21, 2025
Girls’ lax team celebrates seniors with 12-11 win over Essex Tech
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — It was a successful Senior Night for the Lynnfield High girls’ lacrosse team on Monday as they edged Essex Tech, 12-11, at home on a cool, windy evening.
Ava Damiani was the hero scoring the game-winning goal with just 1:05 left in the fourth quarter. Damiani, a sophomore, recorded her 100th-career goal that night as she had three goals to go with three assists.
Lynnfield led, 7-0, after the first quarter before coming back after Essex Tech took the lead late.
“It wasn’t ideal,” admitted Pioneers head coach Christina Serra. “But we were able to rally late and pull out the win.”
The Hawks cut the lead to, 9-6, at the half and led, 11-9, in the fourth quarter before the locals rallied in the waning minutes.
Hayden Valiton led the team in scoring with five goals while Taylor Valiton had three goals and two assists.
“Taylor did a great job with her draw controls as well,” pointed out Serra, as she had 13.
Chloe Gromko had the other Pioneer tally.
Pioneer goalie, Olivia Sylvester, made 12 saves.
With the win, the Pioneers improved to 6-12 overall and 4-8 in the Cape Ann League.
On May 15, the Pioneers lost, 11-6, at home to Manchester-Essex as the Hornets swept the season series.
“Our girls were tired,” said Serra. “They could have played better but the game before that, against Newburyport, wore them down.”
The Hornets led this game, 5-2, at the half.
Hayden Valiton had three goals while Damiani had two along with one assist.
Taylor Valiton had one goal and one assist to round out the scoring.
Sylvester turned back 13 shots on net.
On May 13, Lynnfield fell, 12-11, at Newburyport.
“That was the best game we have played all season,” stated Serra, despite the defeat. “We were neck-and-neck with them all game.”
The Clippers improved to 11-3 overall and 8-1 in the CAL as they are one of the elite teams in the league.
Newburyport led this one, 5-4, at the half as this game featured several lead changes.
The Clippers scored the game-winning goal with just under two minutes remaining in the game.
Hayden Valiton scored five times while her sister netted four. Damiani had two goals and three assists while Jordan Calichman added two assists.
Sylvester made five stops in net.
The Pioneers hammered host Danvers, 20-7, in a non-league game on May 9 in the rain.
Lynnfield raced out of the gates in this one as they led, 9-1, after the first quarter. Unlike the Essex Tech game, they did not allow the Falcons to come back.
“It was good because everybody got to play that game,” said Serra.
Hayden Valiton had six goals and two helpers while Taylor had five goals and one assist.
Damiani also had a big day with four goals and three assists. Calichman recorded six points with a hat trick and three assists.
Alex Schmidt and Sophia Morgese had the two other LHS goals. For Morgese, a recent call-up from the junior varsity team, it was her first-career goal.
Sylvester made three saves in that game.
On May 7, the Pioneers lost, 16-7, at Ipswich as the Tigers were able to complete the season series sweep.
“They have a very good team,” said Serra. “They don’t have just one or two players that score all of their goals.”
Lynnfield trailed, 7-4, at the half as they were outscored, 9-3, in the second stanza.
Hayden Valiton had five goals while Damiani had two goals and one assist. Calichman added two assists.
Sylvester made nine saves.
Lynnfield wraps up the regular season on May 23 as they visit Wakefield. That game will start at 6 p.m.
The Pioneers entered this week ranked 16th in the MIAA Division 4 power rankings. The top 32 teams, regardless of overall record, automatically qualify for the state tournament.