LYNN — The Lynnfield volleyball team faced one of its toughest tests of the season Friday night, eventually handing previously undefeated Lynn Classical its first loss of the season with a 3-0 victory on the road.
The Pioneers won by set scores of 29-27, 25-20, 25-20.
“We knew coming into this one that it would be a tough match because we know a few of the girls and (Classical senior) Chloe (Clement) even played on my club team over the summer,” said Lynnfield coach Brent Ashley. “Classical is a great team and they played well at home and they really knocked us back on our heels at first. But I’m glad we were able to settle ourselves and come away with the win.”
“Obviously we wish we could have come away with the win, but at the very least this shows the girls that they really belong in the top tier of volleyball in the state,” said Classical coach Chris LeBlanc. “Lynnfield is a great team and we know that they do a great job over there, and this was a great battle between two good teams.”
The first set was one of the wildest sets of the season for both teams with the lead changing hands more than 15 times throughout the set. Classical took an early lead before Lynnfield battled back, and then neither team could get more than two points away from each other for the rest of the set. Eventually, Gizmunt was able to score four points in a row to help lift the pioneers to a 29-27 set win.
Classical still had some momentum coming into the second set jumping ahead four to one early. But once again, Lynnfield was able to battle back, and the Pioneers quickly tied the score and then took the lead. From there it was mostly Lynnfield’s ball, as the Pioneers were able to push past Classical to take the set 25-20 and take a commanding two sets to none lead.
The third set saw some more back-and-forth action, but Lynnfield still kept itself ahead for most of the set. Classical put together a small rally in the second half of the set, but Lynnfield was able to grab the last few points, and after a big kill by Gizmunt, Lynnfield walked away with the victory.
Classical (16-1) plays on the road at Arlington Catholic Monday (5:15).
“This final stretch for us is going to be a real test, and it’s going to be a great preparation for the upcoming tournament,” said LeBlanc. “Arlington Catholic is a great team, and they beat Lynnfield earlier this year, so we know we’re going to be in for another tough test.”
Lynnfield (14-2) takes on Ipswich for the Cape Ann League regular-season crown Monday evening (5:30).
“That one’s going to be for all the marbles,” said Ashley. “Luckily for us it’s a home game and we’ve been really good at home so far this year, so hopefully we can put together another great performance.”
