SWAMPSCOTT – This one came right down to the wire.

In the opening game of the season against Swampscott at Blocksidge Field on Monday afternoon, the Lynnfield boys lacrosse team played from behind the entire game.

Twice the Pioneers faced three-goal deficits, but a strong second half saw them slice the Big Blue’s lead to one three times over the final 14 minutes.

With 12 seconds left in regulation, the Pioneers had the ball in the offensive zone with a chance to tie things up. But the Big Blue defense stepped up in a big way, shutting down the shooting lanes to preserve an 8-7 win.

“I feel like we just kept grinding them out,” Big Blue head coach Geoff Beckett said. “We had some great possessions and were dodge-and-show, dodge-and-show just kind of waiting for that opportunity. It was really about trying to figure out the defense and our goalie (Tim Sheehan) played outstanding. The balls were flying around and hats off to our faceoff kid, freshman Luke Michigan. He did a great job at the X.”

For the Big Blue, Liam Keaney (2 goals, assist), senior captain Carson Palmer (2 goals) and senior captains Jack Hazell (goal) and Max Field (goal) led the offense while Sheehan recorded eight saves.

For Lynnfield, Owen Considine (3 goals, assist) and Kelan Cardinal (goal, 3 assists), Evan Rocha (goal, assist), Will Norton (2 goals), and Owen White (5 ground balls) delivered the firepower.

Lynnfield head coach Pat Lamusta said the plan over the last 12 seconds was to “just get a dodge and try to get someone off a pick. The pick plays were really nice in the second half so that’s what we were trying to do. I could see the offense trying to do that more.”

Nonetheless, Lamusta was happy with the way the Pioneers got themselves back into the game after falling behind 3-0 in the first seven-plus minutes of the game and being down 6-3 at the half.

“The second half was just more hustle, fewer mistakes like we had early, and the kids made adjustments which was good to see,” he said. “I told them at halftime to stick to what we know. It doesn’t have to be a crazy equation. I think they played with more confidence in the second half especially in the faceoff circle.”

Lamusta said goalie Ben Pimentel kept the Pioneers in the game.

“He made some saves that were tough in close quarters that gave us a chance to stay in the game.” 

He praised the play of senior captain A.J. Chiaradonna, who he described as having a “nice presence,” Nicolo Antidormi, White, Alex Baldini and Dhimitri Dono.

“They really chipped in on defense especially after (senior captain) Jake Connell went out with an injury,” Lamusta said. “And our younger guy, Brendan Driscoll played more after Jake went out early. Nico and A.J. both have the ability to clear the ball which is always huge. And offensively, everyone is doing a nice job and they are all threats. Our off-ball movement was a little better. We have guys like Owen, Will Norton, and Rocha finding spots that are open. Kelan (Cardinal) is a good feeder as well.”

Beckett liked the way Big Blue senior captains Hazell, Drew McAthern, Palmer, and Field played.

“They played outstanding today,” Beckett said. “They are great leaders and we’re so glad to have them,” Beckett said. “And I can’t say enough about Carson. He’s what I call a silent killer. He’s all over the field the entire game and had 100 yards of clears along with great dodges from different places. That kid can do it all and we need a lot of kids like that.”

Freshmen Chase Russo (goal) and John Von Barta (goal, assist) also impressed in their first varsity outing.

“It was great to see them get their first varsity goals,” Beckett said. 

The Pioneers’ next game is Wednesday at Hamilton-Wenham (4), while Swampscott’s next game is Wednesday at Triton (4:30).

We know they are a pretty young team with a new coach, and that’s about all we know.

“I know they have a good, old-school coach and they will be fun to play,” Beckett said. “They will be disciplined and they have lots of good skills. Other than that I don’t know much about them but last year we had quite a battle with them so I am hoping for a good game.”