Update post publication:
Lynnfield defeats Hamilton-Wenham 3-0 (Oct. 26)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — In a non-league match last Saturday morning, the Lynnfield High field hockey team played a non-league game at Marblehead trying to get a sweep of the series against the Magicians, who they beat 5-1 back on Oct. 4.
Despite the rainy conditions, the Pioneers were able to get a 3-0 win.
With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 10-5-1 overall as they won their third consecutive game.
After a scoreless opening 30 minutes, the Pioneers scored twice in the third quarter and once more in the fourth.
It only took 32 seconds into the third for the locals to score as Izzy Fiorentino made it 1-0 assisted by Taylor Valiton.
Then, with 4:04 remaining, Lauren Mattia cashed in on a penalty stroke.
Valiton had the final tally off a rebound 30 seconds into the fourth quarter.
Pioneer goalie, Lauren MacDonald only had to make one save to post the shutout. MacDonald improved to 10-5-1 in net as she recorded her seventh shutout of the year and third in a row.
It was a successful Senior Night for the team on Oct. 19 as they blanked guest Amesbury 2-0.
Just like the Marblehead game, this one was scoreless at the half as both Pioneer goals took place in the third quarter with 2:36 left. Valiton scored assisted by Fiorentino for the first.
The other goal came with just seven seconds left in the third off a corner as Melissa Caprio found the back of the Red Hawks net.
MacDonald made one save in net.
Lynnfield had six corners while Amesbury had two.
The Pioneers improved to 7-4-2 in the Cape Ann League with the victory.
Before the game, the 10 Pioneer senior players and their team manager were honored.
“All 10 of our seniors contributed to this win,” stated Pioneers head coach Samantha Pindara.
On Oct. 17, the Pioneers hosted Essex Tech. Back on Sept. 11, the Hawks won the first meeting 2-1.
This time, the game ended in a scoreless tie.
Lynnfield had the better opportunities as they had eight corners while the Hawks had just two.
“There was very strong defensive play the entire game,” said Pindara.” Most of the game was played within the 25 yard lines.”
Pindara was pleased with the play of Maddie Sieve, Casey Flynn, and Maddie Mastrangelo.
MacDonald made one stop in goal.
Lynnfield wraps up its regular season on Oct. 26 as they go to Hamilton-Wenham. That game will start at 4 p.m. The Pioneers entered the week ranked 5th in the MIAA Division 4 power rankings. The top 32 schools at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the state tournament.