LYNNFIELD — It’s been awhile now since lacrosse teams have seen the field, but that doesn’t mean it still doesn’t feel strange for the athletes who are usually used to spending these days with their teammates.
That’s been the case for Lynnfield senior Mac Shena and her fellow Pioneers as the disappointment continues to seep in during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s definitely been different,” Schena said. “Basically, right after the day that school got out we’ve been having captains practices regularly. And now it’s been five weeks since we’ve even seen each other in person.”
Without being able to take the field, the Pioneers have tried to stay in contact and share the latest news however they can while hoping for a chance for things to get back to normal soon.
“It’s definitely disappointing, it’s my senior year and I’m missing out on a lot of things right now,” Schena said. “Me, my co-captain (Tori Morelli) and coach Ethan Blanchette have really been trying to stay up to date on the latest news surrounding the season. Just so that we can keep updated and keep our hopes up.
“We’ve been in a little bit of contact as a team,” Schena said. “The whole team had a Zoom call last week. We’re trying to make a video where we pass a ball through the video. It’s something to do as a team.”
For now like every spring sports team it’s been a waiting game for the Pioneers.
“Obviously, everyone involved is very disappointed, but at the same time, they understand the unprecedented nature of the time we’re in right now,” Blanchette said. “Right now, we’re just in wait-and-see mode. I understand the chances we will have a season are slim but there’s still a small chance for an abbreviated season and we will see what develops over the next few weeks.”
Blanchette had high hopes for his team going into the season, with plenty of returning talent from a team coming off a string of state tournament berths.
“I expected us to be solid this year,” Blanchette said. “We’ve made the tournament the past four years. We would have had eight seniors returning, many of them starters last year, and a few who would absolutely have opportunities to contribute big minutes this year.”
A defender, Schena was one of those returners and Blanchette can’t help but feel for her and her fellow seniors.
“I’ve been thinking about the seniors a lot,” Blanchette said. “There’s so much that would be going on for them, both athletically and otherwise, they must have so many things on their mind. This is a time I’m sure many of them have been looking forward to for a very long time.”
On the field, Schena had been looking forward to stepping into her role as a co-captain but that’s been put to a halt.
“Again it’s disappointing,” Schena said. “I was looking forward to leading the team and being a role model for my teammates however I can and now it’s just not happening at all.”
When it comes to preparing for a possible season, Schena has been lucky to keep her stick skills up to speed with her siblings.
“I’ve been trying to stay healthy and keep working out,” Schena said. “Both my brother and sister play lacrosse too so we can pass the ball around with each other. It’s a good little way to work on things.”
Blanchette doesn’t have many worries that his Pioneers will be ready if and when a spring season starts next month.
“I’ve encouraged them to get outside and go for runs, more just to get fresh air and exercise, but also play some wall-ball if they have an opportunity to do that,” Blanchette said. “Once we have more clarity on what’s happening in regards to the season we can figure more out.
“If there does end up being a shortened season, I think we’ll be fine,” Blanchette said. “We have a veteran team and we can manage a short preseason. Everyone will be eager to play games.”
