Post publication update:
Lynnfield defeats Rockport 4-0 (Oct. 11)
Lynnfield defeats Essex Tech 3-0 (Oct. 8)
Published October 8, 2025
League-leading field hockey team earns a win and a tie in CAL play
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — On Monday afternoon, the Lynnfield High field hockey team tied host Manchester-Essex, 2-2, on an unseasonably hot, sunny day. With that result, the Pioneers’ record went to 8-0-2 in the Cape Ann League and 8-1-2 overall. The Hornets, who are in first place in the CAL Baker Division, went to 8-4-1 overall and 8-2-1 in the league.
“I felt like we should have won that game,” said Pioneers head coach Kerri Doherty, whose team is still in first place in the CAL Kinney Division. “We made a big mistake that allowed them to tie it in the fourth quarter. I think we ran out of gas.”
Abby Kent gave the Hornets a 1-0 lead with 6:45 left in the first quarter. After that goal, Doherty called timeout to calm her team.
The strategic timeout worked as the Pioneers tied it with 3:04 left in the first as junior forward Mia Capodilupo, scored assisted by Lauren Mattia.
Sophia Morgese gave Lynnfield its first lead with 122:59 remaining in the second quarter. Capodilupo assisted.
That lead held until there was 3:26 left in the game when Kent, the Hornets’ star player, tied it up.
Pioneer sophomore goalkeeper, Bridget McGee, recorded six saves to go to 2-0-2 in net. Hayden Valiton also had one defensive save in the third quarter.
On Oct. 1, the Pioneers blanked host Triton, 6-0, up in Byfield. The scoring was balanced in both halves as they scored three times in each half.
In the first quarter, they scored twice. Just 45 seconds into the game, Cameron Munion scored assisted by Morgese.
Morgese then made it 2-0 with five minute remaining from Izzy Fiorentino.
Munion then scored with 1:55 left in the first half and that was assisted by Grace Allen to send the Pioneers to the break up three.
Erin Golden, who was given the game ball award by Doherty, then scored her first varsity goal and that one was unassisted with 2:09 left in the third quarter. Normally, Golden plays defense.
With 12:48 left in the game, Stefania Bonavita made it 5-0 assisted by Zoe O’Brien, who picked up her first varsity assist.
Grace Allen had the final tally assisted by O’Brien, again, with 10:52 remaining.
McGee had nine saves on the day to record her second shutout of the season.
“We had commendable play from our backfield by (Chloe) Bergeron, (Nola) Maney, (Addie) Wolf and (Hayden) Valiton in preserving the shutout against a strong-big ball Triton team,” said Doherty.
On Oct. 8, the Pioneers visit Essex Tech at 4 p.m. up in Danvers.
Lynnfield is looking for the season sweep over the Hawks as they won the first meeting, 4-0, back on Sept. 8. Lynnfield then visits Rockport on Oct. 11 at 1 p.m.
On Oct. 13th, they host rival North Reading at 10 a.m. since it is Columbus Day. Lynnfield is also looking to sweep the Hornets as they beat them, 2-0, back on Sept. 17.
The Pioneers are ranked 10th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings.