For the year-long CAL Kinney title race, this was huge for the Newburyport girls soccer team.
As we’ve reported, the Clippers have returned the bulk of their roster from a year ago, and are poised to make some serious headlines at the state level this fall. But the same can be said for Lynnfield, which just last year was a game away from making the Division 4 state championship game before falling in the semifinals via penalty kicks.
So, yeah, a pretty big early-season matchup just two games in.
But Newburyport was ready for the challenge, and was able to make a statement with a 2-1 victory over the Pioneers. Sevilla Coffin assisted on both goals for the Clippers (2-0-0), one off a corner kick entry that Aoife Tykulsky converted in the 28th minute, and the other to Grace Parsons for the game-winner in the 46th minute.
“It was a tough battle between two top teams in the Cape Ann League,” said Newburyport coach Kevin Sheridan. “Tons of credit to the girls for their continuous effort throughout the whole game.”
Chloe Raby made six saves in net for Newburyport, which will host Triton on Tuesday.
Sheahan, Royals earn physical draw
At times, it felt like a rugby match between the Georgetown and Hamilton-Wenham girls soccer teams on Thursday.
The physicality was certainly there between the two rivals, but in the end, both teams had to settle for a 1-1 draw. The Generals got on the board in the first half, but Lexie Sheahan found the tying goal with 15 minutes left after Jenna Johnson delivered her a gorgeous service entry. Sophomore goalie Talya Mariani made 11 total saves, including three in the closing minutes with the final coming on a free kick from the 25 yard line as time expired.
“It was a fantastic effort today,” said Georgetown coach Kevin Fair. “Two hard-nosed teams that fought for 80 minutes. The girls showed resiliency and toughness and played so hard for each other. This team has tremendous chemistry, and they take that onto the field every day.”
Fair also credited Reese Martin, Avery Upite, Penny Church, Liana Nakatsugawa, Lexie Sheahan, Kat Greenblatt and Ella Thompson for playing “tremendous games.”
Panthers get a pair of ‘0-second’ goals
The Pentucket field hockey team took advantage of every second during Friday’s game against Essex Tech — and then more.
It ended up being a 2-1 victory for the Panthers over the Hawks, with both of their goals coming while the scoreboard showed triple zeros. All corners are played out even if time expires while teams are setting up, which happened twice to the Panthers. First it was Cat Colvin scoing with no time left in the first quarter, then Cassidy Roche found the back of the cage after the third quarter had ended.
A rarity for sure.
But hey, it still counts for the Panthers (1-0-1).
Two in a row for Triton golf
The Triton golf team found its second straight win after a slow first week, taking down Amesbury, 149-133 on Thursday. The Vikings (2-3) were led by Vinny Magee with 29 Stableford point, Greg Muse with 27 and Josh Monteiro with 26.
Newburyport volleyball opens strong
As far as challenging non-league openers go, this was exactly what you hope for.
The Newburyport volleyball team opened its season against a tough Peabody squad on Friday, but was up for the test and came away with a hard-fought 3-1 victory (25-15, 22-25, 29-27, 25-15). Olivia Foley had a monster game with 10 kills and a staggering 11 blocks, Ellie LeDuc sent home 11 kills, and sophomore Ava Bailey had 7 kills and 5 blocks.
Clippers make the stand
Despite previous tallies from Reese Bromby, Ciara Geraghty and Olivia Wilson, the Newburyport field hockey team still found itself in a one-goal battle against Lynnfield in the closing moments of Friday’s game. It all came down to a corner with no time left on the clock, but the Clippers were able to make the defensive stand, and hold on for a 3-2 victory over the Pioneers.
Now 1-0-1, the Clippers will play rival Triton on Monday.