RallyNorth.net

The Gloucester field hockey team knew that it would have trouble with the turf surface at Lincoln-Sudbury High School yesterday.

While it didn't take too long for the 12th-seeded Fishermen to adapt to the faster surface, they could not provide an answer for a relentless offensive attack by fifth-seeded Lincoln Sudbury, as Gloucester fell 6-0 in the first round of the Division 2 North state tournament.

After defeating Danvers 2-0 last Thursday, the Gloucester field hockey team had to wait in anticipation for the score from Marblehead's game against Swampscott.

The Fishermen (11-5-1), needed a Big Blue win to clinch the Northeastern Conference title, a tie would mean that Gloucester and Marblehead would split the championship. When word got to the Fishermen that the game was a tie and that Gloucester would share the conference title, the team bus erupted with applause.

The Fishermen played inspired, dedicating the win to Jane Ziergiebel, who passed away early last Saturday morning after a car crash. Ziergiebel had been a voluntary coach with the team. Kat LaCroix had a goal and an assist, while Jill Lukegord, Emily Castro and Alli Kippen also added goals for Gloucester (10-5-1). Alicia Unis picked up the shutout in net.

teri took a nice pass from Brittany Isenhart and put home the game-winner with 51 seconds to play in Andover's 4-3 win at Gloucester. Nina Yu added a goal for the Golden Warriors (14-0-3).

Gloucester got two goals from Jilian Lukegord to get past Danvers, 2-0. Fisherman goalkeeper Alicia Unis didn't see many shots, but did stop both she faced for the shutout.

Senior captain Caitlin Cole scored at the 14:29 mark and Gloucester made it stand up in a 1-0 win over Salem. Alicia Unis made four saves to secure the win for the Fishermen (3-2-1).

Tawny Palmieri scored twice as Peabody cruised by Gloucester 4-2. Meg Canavan and Kerrie O'Shea also struck for Peabody, and Rebecca Mullen made 12 saves to earn the win.

Marblehead broke an early 1-1 tie with two quick goals to pull away from Gloucester 5-3. Michelle Manley paced the Magicians attack with a pair of goals and two assists while Tori Snow, Maggie McMullen and Stephanie Herbst also found the back of the net for Marblehead (1-0). Goaltender Libby Levine made 15 saves to collect her first win of the season.

Emily Castro scored off a corner as time expired to lift Gloucester to a 1-1 tie with Saugus. "It was a nice feeling," coach Kim Patience said. Ali Kippen was outstanding on defense and Alicia Unis made three saves for the Fishermen.