By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
STOW — It was a heartbreaking day for the Lynnfield High golf team on Monday as they participated in the Division 3 North Sectionals at Stow Acres (North Course) on a sunny, crisp day.
Out of 17 schools, the Pioneers came in 4th place with a total score of 330 missing advancing to the state finals next Monday by only one stroke as just the top three teams advance.
Weston was first (312), Stoneham was second (328) and North Reading was third (329). If the Pioneers tied North Reading, they both would have advanced.
The Pioneers went 2-0 against North Reading this fall.
“I was proud of our kids,” stated Pioneers head coach Mike Moresco. “The course played fairly.”
Senior co-captain Deven Henehan, led the team with a score of 79 to place 7th overall (only the top six individuals advance to the state final along with the top three teams).
Par is 72 as Henehan just missed advancing by one stroke.
Junior Paul Daley was 2nd (80), senior co-captain Gavin Leuci 3rd (85) and junior Brady Field was 4th (86).
Six players for each team play and the two highest scores are thrown out. Owen Doherty shot an 89 while Owen Mullin had a 97.
Despite the disappointment of not advancing, the team will arguably go down as the greatest in school history as they went a perfect 12-0 overall and 11-0 in the Cape Ann League to capture the CAL Kinney Division title.
“I would rather have had the season we did and not advance than the other way around,” said Moresco. “Today was like nuts and a cherry on a hot-fudge sundae.”