THE PIONEER field hockey team improved to 4-0 with a 4-0 win over Hamilton-Wenham on Monday night at LHS. (Courtesy Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WENHAM — Not playing a game for a week did not negatively effect the Lynnfield High field hockey team on Monday night as they shut out host Hamilton-Wenham by a final of 4-0.
With that victory, the Pioneers improved to 4-0 overall and in the Cape Ann League.
“We came out flat,” acknowledged Pioneers head coach Kerri Doherty. “Our ball movement was much better in the second half.”
After a scoreless first quarter, sophomore Sophia Morgese scored the first goal of the evening assisted by junior Hayden Valiton with 3:37 left in the second quarter.
Valiton then made it 2-0 with senior captain Lily Alves assisting with 5:17 remaining in the third.
LHS then scored twice in the fourth.
Morgese, again assisted by Alves, made it 3-0 with 14:24 left.
Junior Lauren Mattia had the final goal with 12:06 remaining and that goal was unassisted.
“She scored from the top of the circle executing a textbook low reverse hit aimed perfectly in the far-right corner,” explained Doherty.
Having four girls score pleased Doherty as opposing teams can’t focus on one or two players.
“I like seeing the balanced scoring,” said Doherty. “That is a wild card that we have with several different scorers.”
Doherty was also impressed with Alves.
“We moved her position this year (midfielder from defender) and she has shown a lot of poise,” she said. “It has been fun to watch.”
Pioneer goalkeeper, junior Olivia Sylvester, had four saves as she recorded her third consecutive shutout to go to 4-0.
“She has been dialed in,” said Doherty.
The upcoming schedule ramps up for the Pioneers as they visit rival North Reading on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. The Hornets are the defending CAL Kinney Division co-champions.
On Saturday, the Pioneers host non-league Monomoy who is one of the powers down the Cape Cod area. That game is at 11 a.m.
On Monday, the team goes to West Newbury to take on Pentucket as they return to CAL action. That game will start at 3:30 p.m.