When asked about taking on Cape Ann League foe Newburyport, Lynnfield boys soccer coach Brent Munroe kept it honest: “It’s always a hard game.”

Thursday’s matchup at Pioneer Stadium was exactly that. Ultimately, it saw Lynnfield escape with a 1-0 victory. Matt Reinold tucked the unassisted tally, while Kelan Cardinal picked up an early-season shutout between the pipes.

“We managed to win, 1-0, and it was a good game,” said Munroe, whose Pioneers are 2-0 in their title defense after capturing last year’s MIAA Division 4 state championship. “They outplayed us for a majority of the game, but our defense played great.”

FIELD HOCKEY

Beverly 9
Peabody 1

Despite a goal from Peabody’s Daniella White and a combined 21 saves from Sophia Kassis (15) and Ella Briggs (6), Beverly had its way in this one. Leah Bresnahan picked up a defensive save in the first half to round out Peabody’s positives.

“The team held it to two (goals) in the first quarter, with Leah Bresnahan making her high school debut on defense and coming up big with a defensive save at a crucial moment,” said Peabody coach Jillian Tobin. “Everyone played today, including a great firecracker moment from freshman Kylee Bettencourt. The Peabody captains and seniors played with strength and drive that we have come to expect from them.”

Marblehead 3
Danvers 2

A Northeastern Conference showdown saw Marblehead escape Danvers, 3-2, on enemy turf for a strong win early in the fall. Avrey Black, Savannah Caruso, and Ava Salem found the back of the net for the Magicians, while Maggie Beauchesne impressed with four saves.

Andover 1
St. Mary’s 0

St. Mary’s showed its heart against last year’s MIAA Division 1 state tournament finalists, but Andover escaped by a goal at Manning Field. The Spartans fell to 1-1 on the young season.

VOLLEYBALL

St. Mary’s 3
Lynn English 1

In game one of the city tournament at Lynn Tech, St. Mary’s took care of Lynn English in four sets (25-8, 25-20, 20-25, 25-18) to advance to Friday’s championship game against Classical. Sky Watson (15 kills) and Ava Kidd (30 digs) led the way for the Spartans.

Lynn Classical 3
Lynn Tech 0

In a matchup between two rising programs in the City of Lynn, Classical got the better of host Tech in set scores of 25-17, 25-6, 25-18 to advance to Friday’s championship game against St. Mary’s. Emma Chevalier led the Lady Rams’ charge with 20 assists, eight aces, and four digs.

GOLF

Archbishop Williams 177
St. Mary’s 174

St. Mary’s had its moments, but it wasn’t enough to outshoot Archbishop Williams at Granite Links Golf Course. The Spartans were led by Shea Newhall (27 points), Micah Hashikawa (27), Jared Burke (27), Chase Collins (26), Luke Dilisio (26), Stephen Nason (21), and Ryan Amirault (20).

Austin Prep 54
Marblehead 36

Despite some positives, it wasn’t Marblehead’s day against Austin Prep. Winning Magicians were medalist James Bickell (38), Greyson Leventhal, and Will Macrina. The Magicians (2-2) return to their home course of Tedesco Country Club Tuesday against Peabody.

Winthrop 39
Swampscott 33

Swampscott’s golf team dipped to 1-2 after a tough loss to Winthrop. Sam Moscoso and Jack Smyth won their matches for the Big Blue, while Tyler Ostroff drew even.