LYNNFIELD — The Lynnfield High Pioneers are coming off a 9-11 season after making it to the Round of 32 in the state tournament a winter ago.

After graduating their playmaker and leader in Bella George, the Pioneers are left with a young and inexperienced team – like it, or not.

But that young group showed its fight during Wednesday night’s season-opener against Manchester-Essex, erasing a 13-point deficit in the third quarter to nearly pull off an upset.

And despite the 50-44 final, coach Sue Breen was proud of her team’s efforts.

“They just battled and I’m really proud of them,” she said. “We’re going to be stronger because of this game.”

The first quarter went swimmingly for the Pioneers, who jumped to an early lead after Hayden Valiton (7 points) converted a three-point play to kick off Wednesday’s scoring.

But after the Green Hornets went on a 9-0 run to begin the second quarter and outscored the Pioneers 18-4 in the frame, things looked bleak for Lynnfield, down 28-15 at the end of the half.

“There was a point where I just thought this wasn’t our day, but they didn’t fold,” Breen said.

The Pioneers returned with a newfound attitude to start the second half. They even caused turnovers in the full-court press, which is exactly what Breen expected them to do.

“I expect them to play really good defense and cause turnovers this season,” she said. “They fought tooth-and-nail, and we made it a game.”

Down just five points to begin the fourth quarter, Emma Rose’s (13 points) layup completed a 6-1 run to start the final period, tying the game 35-35.

But in the end, the Green Hornets’ ability to make shots down the stretch was too strong. They pushed Lynnfield’s deficit back up to nine.

A four-point play from Rose cut things to five, but it was too little, too late.

Win or lose, Breen was pleased with the way her team began its season.

“I’m proud of how they responded,” Breen said. “The kids are still newcomers… they’ll get better as they play more together.”

The Pioneers host Pentucket Regional this Friday with tip-off set for 5:30 p.m.

Lynnfield scorers

Erika Pasquale: 13
Emma Rose: 13
Taylor Valiton: 8
Hayden Valiton: 7
Ava Gamache: 3