PEABODY — There wasn’t a lot of suspense in this one.
Peabody junior captain Brooke Lomasney needed just three points against Marblehead Saturday morning to eclipse Lauren Wolff’s record of 252 career points she established in 2017.
Lomasney wasted no time in doing just that, and she did it in style with three goals in the first eight minutes, leading the host Tanners (2-2) to a 12-3 victory over the Magicians (1-4) on a picture perfect Patriots’ Day.
“I knew about (the record) despite them trying really hard to keep it a secret,” Lomasney said. “Regardless of the record, I just wanted to score for the team. Marblehead is a good team so we knew we needed to get the goals early and get ahead. Today wasn’t about the record for me; it was about winning the game and we did. For me, this was all about a great team effort.”
Peabody coach Michelle Roach described Lomasney’s new mark as an “incredible accomplishment.
“I’m so proud of her. Her exceptional performance on the field is matched by her leadership and teamwork. I feel very grateful to have coached here these last three years.”
The Tanners jumped out to a 4-0 start in the first quarter on Lomasney’s hat trick and a goal by captain Madi Barrett. They kept up the pressure in the second quarter, prompting Marblehead coach Annie Madden to call a timeout to regroup. Less than a minute later, Maddie Forbes responded to put the Magicians on the board and cut the deficit to 4-1.
But that was as close as they came. Barrett (from Ally Bettencourt) and Lomasney stretched the lead to 6-1`at the half, then the Tanners poured it on with a 6-2 edge in the second half to seal the win.
Lomasney finished with six goals and a helper. Ally Bettencourt (2 assists) and Madi Barret (assist) had three goals each. For Marblehead, Forbes finished with three goals, while Ramona Gillett had one assist.
Roach said a key factor was the Tanners’ focus on “reset and recovery.
“As a coach in any sport, I focus a lot on reset and recovery,” Roach said. “Marblehead is a team that, given time, they are going to get in. We also didn’t force things. We knew when to pull up for possession to avoid turnovers that come when you force things. We also caused a lot of great turnovers. The key was having possession, the turnovers, and having Caitlin (Snow) in net, who was just phenomenal.”
Another factor going Peabody’s way was the strong play of Barrett, Katie Amico, and Maya Davis.
“One of the biggest things is Maddie had so many good decisions today especially in the circle when after the draw she was jumping in to get balls all day and put us in a position to attack,” Roach said. “Katie and Maya defensively had a really great game.”
Both Snow (10 saves) and Marblehead freshman goalie Molly Bullard (7 saves) were tested. Both made a handful of highlight-reel-worthy saves from close range.
“Caitlin just made some huge saves from point-blank range,” Roach said. “Those can change momentum in a big way.”
“Molly did an outstanding job today,” Madden said. “She really stepped up considering she’s going up against 17- and 18-year-old girls who are going off to play in college.”
While most of the focus no doubt was on the offense and Lomasney’s successful quest to set a new mark, Lomasney said the defense and goaltending deserved the credit.
“Our defense was phenomenal today as was our communication and our goalie Caitlin Snow had such huge saves for us,” Lomasney said. “I think we really all brought it today as a team.”
Both team’s next games are against Masconomet, which hosts Peabody on Thursday (4) and entertains Marblehead at home Saturday (10).
“Masco has some really good players so it is indicative of our league. You have to grind everything out,” Roach said. “It will be a tough game as I don’t think we’ve ever beaten them so that’s one we have circled.”
“We’ve played some really tough and talented teams already so we’re now just really looking forward to using all of the strength we’ve gained over the past five games against Masco,” Madden said, adding she looks forward to a Peabody rematch.
“Peabody is very talented and congratulations to Brooke on her record. I’m excited to play them again and excited to see what we can do in the NEC this year,” Madden said.
