Lady Hornets down rival Pioneers, 2-1, in home opener

Published in the September 14, 2017 edition

SOPHOMORE Kiley McCarthy avoids a Lynnfield defender and gets off a shot in the box. (John Friberg Photo)

By DAN NUNN

NORTH READING — Seniors Kirsten Bradley and Karlie Vesey scored a goal a piece to propel the Hornets to a 2-1 home victory over the rival Lynnfield Pioneers in their season opener on Friday afternoon.

Junior Alyssa Crugnale was outstanding in her first varsity start with 10 saves.

North Reading got on the board early. In the 3rd minute, Bradley took a free kick from the top of the 18 yard box and beat the Lynnfield goalie with a terrific shot into the top of the net.

NRHS kept the pressure on and in the 16th minute they scored again. On the play, Vesey received a pass from sophomore Kiley McCarthy just outside the box and as she was falling to the ground blasted a shot past the keeper.

The Pioneers refused to go away after the second goal and in the 26th minute they scored a beautiful goal of their own. The Lynnfield player placed the ball just past the fingertips of Crugnale just under the crossbar to cut the lead to 2-1. The action packed first half ended with the Hornets up 2-1.

NRHS controlled play in the second half but couldn’t bury their chances. Fortunately Lynnfield never threatened and the Hornets hung on for the 2-1 victory.