RallyNorth.net

The Newburyport girls' soccer team not only has speed, a plethora of talent and great ball movement, but it's also very heady | as overmatched Ipswich High found yesterday morning at Leary Field.

The once-beaten Clippers scored four times on head balls off of corners and generally spent so much time in Ipswich territory that the field may have seemed tilted to the Tigers' end in a 6-1 victory.

"Forget about vengeance and focus exclusively on excellence."

That was the pregame message Robb Gonnam delivered to his No. 2-seeded Newburyport girls team before they played No. 8 Ipswich in the Division 3 North final at Acton-Boxborough High School's Leary Field.

After a scoreless regulation and overtime, No. 12 Georgetown fell to No. 8 Ipswich in a shootout, 4-3, in the semifinals of the Division 3 North tourney.

Julie Fehlmann scored a goal in the shootout for the Georgetown (11-8-1), while Vanessa Coolidge stood out at goalie and Katherine Falzareno played a tremendous game at sweeper

Valerie Grim scored an unassisted goal for the Sachems (6-6-1) in the third minute. KC Jones and Julia Quattrini played well, according to Sachems coach Elaine Treado.

After completing what may prove to be its most difficult week in the regular season, Newburyport (10-1-1) clinched an EMass. Tournament berth. The Clippers encountered the first blemishes on their record last week in a three-game stretch that saw the locals lose to North Andover, beat North Reading and tie Mascomomet. Yesterday's nine goals were four more than Newburyport scored all of last week.

Three different players found the back of the net as Ipswich downed Triton 3-2.

Elita Nicholson, Kayla Jernegan and Erika Geovaniello had the goals while Lois McFayden and Lizzy Fanning also played well for the Tigers (6-2-2).

Masconomet improved 5-1 and goalkeeper Annie Burns picked up her third shutout of the year as the Chieftans blanked Ipswich 4-0. Cait Clark netted two goals for Masconomet and Jamie Wright added two assists.

Down 1-0 with 10 minutes remaining, Hamilton-Wenham scored to tie Ipswich 1-1. Alana Figurido recorded the goal. Generals (1-1-1) goalie Emily Helming (12 saves) was immense while defender Pheobe Burr, sweeper Cassie Penta and forward Candice Dangora played well.

Kayla Jernegan scored twice and Erica Giovaniello added an insurance marker as Ipswich cruised to a 3-1 win over Lynnfield. Tess Falabella, Melanie McFayden and Elita Nicholson set up the Ipswich goals, while Lia Webb made 18 saves in the win.

Last year's record: 4-13-1

Coach: Manny Lopes (2nd year)

Returning starters: Tess Salabella, Sr. back; Becca Fanning, Sr. back; Erika Giovanniello, Sr. midfield; Elita Nicholson, Sr. midfield; Jessica Cote, Sr. midfield; Kayla Jernigan, Sr. forward; Melissa McFayden, Sr. midfield; Lizzy Fanning, Soph. back; Stephanie Sutherby, Soph. back; Lia Webb, Soph. goalie.