Update post publication:
#17 Lynnfield falls to #16 Lynn Classical 3-2 (Nov. 2)
To view the MIAA state tournament bracket, click here.
Published November 1, 2023
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
LYNNFIELD — On Oct. 27, the Lynnfield High volleyball team ended its regular season on a high note as they beat guest Pentucket 3-0 to complete the season sweep over the Panthers.
The Pioneers, who won four of their final matches, won the three sets, 25-18, 25-19, and 25-21.
With that victory, the Pioneers finished up at 10-9 overall and 8-7 in the Cape Ann League.
Chase Carangelo led the Pioneers with 16 kills and 12 digs. Erin Higdon also had a big day with nine service aces, eight digs and five kills.
On Oct. 25, Lynnfield lost at CAL newcomer, Essex Tech, 3-2, up in Danvers.
The teams split the first two sets, as the Hawks won the first one, 25-18, while the Pioneers won the second one, 25-19.
The Hawks captured set three, 25-22, but Lynnfield forced a fifth set winning, 25-19, in set four.
Essex Tech then won the final set in a tight one, 15-13, as that win snapped the Pioneers three-match winning streak.
Carangelo had another strong match with 15 service points, 22 kills and 24 digs. Lily DeLeo had a team-high 21 assists and 23 digs.
The Pioneers are seeded 17th in the MIAA Division 3 state tournament. They will visit 16th-seeded Lynn Classical in the Round of 32 game on Nov. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
This will be the second meeting between the teams as head coach Brent Ashley’s squad beat the Rams, 3-0, at home on Oct. 17.
The three set scores were 25-20, 25-17, and 25-17.
“Lynn Classical is a well coached, passionate team,” said Lynnfield head coach Brent Ashley. “We have a close relationship with them because our players all play club and over the summer together. We play them every year in our mental health match. It is always difficult playing a team for a second time, especially so close. Plus, this match will be played in their gym, with a little more of a rambunctious crowd. Their team knows what is at stake and will play aggressively, with everything on the line.”
The Rams, a team out of the Greater Boston League, enter the game with a record of 17-3.
Carangelo, a junior outsider hitter, led the team in kills per set (3.7) and hitting percentage (0.348) this fall. Erin Higdon, another junior, was the team leader in service aces (92) and aces per set (1.3).
Sophomore outsider hitter, Lexi Vaquerano, led the team in blocks with 35 while fellow sophomore libero, Olivia Kelter, was the team leader in digs per set at 3.2.