The Marblehead girls lacrosse team began its quest for a state championship with a 19-5 win over Melrose Tuesday afternoon in the first round of the Division 1 North state tournament at Piper Field.
With the win, the Magicians, the No. 2 seed in the bracket, advance to Thursday’s quarterfinal round game against No. 7 Masconomet.
No. 15 Melrose ends its season at 11-6.
Leading the way for the Magicians were a pair of six-goal performances from Hadley Carlton and Niamh Healey. Carlton dished two assists, while Healey dished one assist.
Grace Arthur scored three goals and dished out five assists. Maddy Erskine scored two goals with one assist, while Grace Doody and Caroline Driscoll each tallied one goal. Sara Campbell tallied one assist in the winning effort.
Lynnfield 13, Winthrop 4
At Winthrop, the No. 9 Pioneers punched their ticket to Thursday afternoon’s Division 2 North quarter final at No. 1 Newburyport.
Senior captain Liv Smyrnios (3 draws) scored the first four goals of the game to help Lynnfield build an 8-1 lead at halftime. Several players stood-out for Lynnfield, most notably senior captain Gracie Sperling who scored three goals, while collecting a game-high seven ground balls and Smyrnios who had three draw-controls. Sophomore Liz Sykes played strong in the midfield, causing a team-high four turnovers with four ground balls, while fellow sophomore Mac Schenna also caused four turnovers to go with a pair of ground-balls. Freshman goalie Grace Magno made seven saves, while sophomore midfielder Tori Morelli (goal, 2 assists) notched three caused-turnovers and draw-controls.
The No. 8 Vikings end their season with a 14-6 record.
BOYS LACROSSE
Marblehead 12, Beverly 7
At Piper Field, the No. 5 Magicians earned the win in a battle between Northeastern Conference rivals. With the win, the Magicians sealed a spot in Friday’s (5) Division 2 North quarter final game at No. 4 Reading.
No. 12 Beverly ends the season at 7-11.
Pentucket 17, Saugus 3
The No. 14 Sachems fell on the road at No. 3 Pentucket in the first round of the Division 3 North state tournament. Saugus ends its season at 8-9.
BOYS TENNIS
Swampscott 3, Fenwick 2
For the first time in four years the Swampscott boys tennis team advances to the second round of the Division 3 North state tournament.
Will Talebian won in second singles (6-0, 6-0). Justin Ratner won in third singles (6-1, 6-2).
The first doubles team of Steve Santanello and Dan Johnson won (7-6, (8-6), 6-4).
No. 9 Swampscott visits No. 1 Lynnfield in the quarter final Thursday (3:30).
GIRLS TENNIS
Beverly 4, Lynn Classical 1
At Bass River Tennis Club, inclement weather forced the Rams and Panthers to play the first round match of the Division 2 North state tournament indoors. The No. 7 Panthers earned a 4-1 win over the No. 10 Rams.
Shanelle Barry logged the lone win of the match for Classical with a victory in second singles (2-6, 6-4, 10-8). The second doubles team of Abby Stafford and Lexi Ferraro dropped a competitive match (6-3, 0-6, 2-6).
The Panthers await the winner of No. 15 Danvers at No. 2 Marblehead. Classical ends its season at 10-8 and returns an experienced bunch next season.
“It wasn’t bad, it could’ve been a little better,” Rams coach Chris LeBlanc said. “We had a few matches that could’ve gone either way. Five of our seven starters return next season. We should be in good shape next year.”