You might say hockey is in Pingree senior Lily Sabatini's blood.
The 18-year-old from Hamilton has been skating since she was just five, taking after her father and grandfather — both coaches — and older brother, Anthony, who went to Hamilton-Wenham and played hockey at Salem High.
Now Lily has her own unique legacy on the ice after becoming just the fifth girl in Pingree School history to score 100 points in a varsity career.
"My family is a big hockey family and I guess I followed that," said Sabatini, an alternate captain that will lead the Highlanders against Newton Country Day in the Eastern Independent League semifinals at Johnson Rink (6:10 p.m.).
A four-year contributor, Sabatini leads the area in scoring with 17 goals, 21 assists and 38 points this winter. For her career, she has 39 goals, 67 assists and 106 points.
Pingree has had a girls hockey team for 24 years; in that time just five players have joined the Century Club. The first was Sarah Carpenter in 1997, and 15 years later Carpenter is the team's head coach.
"It was a big moment for Lily and an exciting day, to say the least," said Carpenter. "It was extra special for me, having been the first girl to score 100 and being able to coach someone to reach the same milestone and join our small group."
Sabatini had 98 points going into a road game against North Yarmouth Academy. The Highlanders won 8-0, and Sabatini went over 100 with a goal in the second period. The tally was assisted by senior captain Shelby DiFiore and Danvers native Jill Witwicki.
"It was exciting. We've had a great year, one of the best in terms of our record," said Sabatini, whose 17 goals are a career high.
"I'm trying to shoot a bit more this year, but I always feel like it depends on the situation. If I see a pass, I'll pass because I know my linemates can score."
As a younger player, she was an assist artist. Primarily playing with Meaghan Souza (now at Sacred Heart), Sabatini had 35 helpers between her sophomore and junior seasons. The duo was particularly deadly along the wall, with Sabatini feeding Souza's accurate shot.
"Most of my points were on Meg's goals. I'd pass and she's score, so she helped me a lot in getting to 100," said Sabatini. "I think it's natural; as a young player you want to pass and as you get older, you're more comfortable carrying the puck and shooting."
Pingree (12-7 overall, 9-1 in the EIL) wasn't sure what kind of team they would have this winter after graduating some big parts from last year's EIL finalists. But beating Berwick in the season opener gave them confidence, and with leadership from Sabatini and DiFiore they've been dangerous.
"We've had a great year off the ice, too. Everybody feels like they're important and really gets along," said Sabatini, who has developed a special chemistry with Witwicki.
A converted defenseman who plays both positions, Witwicki has 17 goals and 30 points as a sophomore and is on pace to become the program's next 100-point getter. The duo typically skates with freshmen Leah Heinze or Katie Shreenan, or sophomore Kristina Caradonna.
"The young players have fit right in, and we were excited to get them," said Sabatini. "We really feel like anyone can play on any line."
Sabatini is the first Highlander to reach 100 points since Kaitlyn Spurling (now at Harvard) did it in 2007. That was also the last time Pingree won the EIL, something this year's group would love to accomplish.
"We lost it in overtime last year, and if we play Berwick again we'd definitely like to win it. Every game with them has been close," said Sabatini, who is keeping her college options open but doesn't plan to play hockey.
"I think we've really grown as a program (but) haven't won since I've been here. It'd be a great way to end it."
CENTURY CLUB
Lily Sabatini's career totals
SeasonGoalsAssistsPoints
2008-0931114
2009-1091726
2010-11101828
2011-12172138
Totals3967106
These are the five members of Pingree girls hockey's 100-point club:
Sarah Carpenter, 1997
Amanda Webber, 1998
Char Glessner, 1999
Kaitlyn Spurling, 2007
Lily Sabatini, 2012
