Update post publication:
Lynnfield defeats Triton 3-1 (Oct. 19)
Lynnfield defeats Georgetown 3-0 (Oct. 23)
Lynnfield falls to Essex Tech 3-2 (Oct. 25)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — On Oct. 12, the Lynnfield High volleyball team was edged, 3-2, by visiting Hamilton-Wenham. With that win, the Generals were able to sweep the season series as they also won, 3-2, back on Sept. 13 in the first meeting.
This match was a real heartbreaker as the Pioneers won the first two sets in convincing fashion, 25-10, and 25-17. However, the Generals battled back and won the next three sets in three tight games, 25-23, 27-25, and 15-13.
With that result, the Pioneers record dropped to 6-8 overall and 5-6 in the CAL.
On Oct. 10, the Pioneers lost, 3-0, at home to Newburyport. The Clippers were also able to sweep Lynnfield this fall as they won, 3-2, in the first match-up back on Sept. 8.
The Clippers won the three sets, 25-23, 25-22, and 25-23 as the match was much closer than the final score would indicate.
After 14 matches, Chase Carangelo leads the team in kills per set as the junior outside hitter averages three.
Senior Liv Tare is ranked first in hitting percentage at .264 while sophomore outside hitter, Lexi Vaquerano leads the team in total blocks this fall with 20.
Erin Higdon is the team leader in service aces (50) and aces per set (1.2).
Senior setter Lily DeLeo leads the team in assist with 150 while fellow senior, Janhavi Joglekar, is second with 140.
Sophomore Olivia Kelter is the team leader in digs per set average 3.4
On Oct. 19, the Pioneers go to Byfield to take on Triton. Lynnfield beat the Vikings, 3-2, in the first meeting back on Sept. 21.
Lynnfield then hosts Georgetown on Oct. 23 at 5:15 p.m.
The Pioneers entered this week ranked No. 26 in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings despite their record being under .500. The top 32 teams, at the end of the regular season, automatically qualify for states regardless of overall record.