LYNNFIELD — For a high school athlete, chasing a state championship is a big deal. But siblings chasing two titles at the same time? On the same field and day? That’s what Lynnfield’s Dylan and Ava Damiani are doing this fall. Dylan, a senior, is a center back on the boys soccer team, while sister Ava is a freshman speed demon on the girls team.
Both teams are in the final push towards what’s hoped will end with MIAA Division IV titles later this week. That push begins Tuesday night at Doyle Field in Leominster. The No. 4 girls will take on No. 1 South Hadley in the front end of a Final Four doubleheader at 4:30 p.m. with the No. 2 boys following at 6:30 against No. 3 Hampshire Regional.
Both Damianis played key roles in Saturday’s quarter-final victories at Pioneer Stadium. Dylan, a two-year varsity starter, sacrificed his body with a goal-saving slide tackle in the waning minutes of the Pioneers’ 2-1 win over Monument Mountain and was a key factor in neutralizing the high-flying Spartans’ offense.
Meanwhile, Ava got a starting nod up top in the girls’ game against Hamilton-Wenham, who came in undefeated. All she did was pick a ball out of the air and dish it to teammate Bella Carroll, who slammed it home late in the first half to extend the Pioneers’ lead over the Generals to 3-0 (final score, 4-0).
Dylan said that with boy-girl doubleheaders the last three weekends, he has enjoyed being able to watch Ava play.
“She’s an exciting player to watch,” Dylan said. “I’ve actually been able to watch her score so that was awesome.”
Both teams have had spectacular seasons, posting identical 14-2-2 regular season records and scooping up a boatload of honors and awards along the way. A quick check of the championship banners hanging in the high school gymnasium suggests that this may be the first time the two teams have advanced to the Final Four in the same year.
Making it this far in the same season had never happened before in the history of Lynnfield soccer according to Munroe and girls’ coach Mark Vermont.
“I’m positive it’s never happened before,” Munroe said. “I think it’s exciting for all the kids to be able to come out and root for each other’s teams. I’m happy with their success and it’s fun for the soccer community to be able to watch two games at one time. And it would be great if we both could win. And if not, we’re proud of where we are.”
“It’s a great opportunity for the kids on both teams and pretty special for the school,” Vermont said. “Brent and I know it’s never happened in Lynnfield before, so it’s cool to be doing it this year.”
The Damianis aren’t the only Lynnfield siblings chasing titles. Two-time captain Ally Sykes, a senior, and sophomore sister Bella Sykes and senior Addison Connelly and junior Katie Connelly are also in the mix.
“It would be awesome to win it with my sister,” Ally Sykes said, adding she has enjoyed having home boy-girl doubleheaders. “It’s been really good because we can see them play and a lot of former players from both teams have come out to watch us play.”
“The nice thing about it is that it’s really cool to play with a sibling. To have a run like this is something you will have forever,” Vermont said.
Ava said she cannot wait to take the field on Tuesday night and is confident the Pioneers have what it takes to win it all.
“I’m really excited about tomorrow’s game and I think it will be a great game. I’m super excited to see what it’s all about,” she said. “Playing on this team has been incredible. We all feel we can win so that’s what our focus has been and we know we can get it done.”
Dylan said the whole experience has been “really cool.”
“The house has been just thrilled to watch us play,” Dylan said. “Ava’s a freshman and she’s playing. Obviously, this is my last run but we’re all focused and ready to go.”
When asked what the mood might be in the Damiani household should one team come up short, Dylan said he’s not worried.
“We think we are definitely the best team in this tournament and the only team that is going to beat us is us. Obviously, they (the girls’ team) think the same way. If we both win, that would be great.”
Ava agrees – but definitely has added motivation. She admits there is “some serious rivalry” with her two brothers.
“I think it would be great if Dylan and I can win so we can rub it in (older brother) Drew’s face because he never won it in his four years on the team,” Ava said. “Our team is going to win, so it will be me bragging to my brothers.”
Drew, their mom Jill, and dad Darren, who coaches the girls’ JV squad, will be cheering the team on Tuesday night. Darren will be on the sidelines with Vermont for the girls, game, then will move to the spectator side for the boys.
“It’s been a great season for both teams,” he said. “I’ve coached a lot of these kids since they were in the youth program and what they have done is amazing.”
