Published September 19, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — On Tuesday afternoon, the North Reading High field hockey team edged visiting Ipswich 3-2. With that win, the Hornets got back to the .500 mark as they improved to 2-2-1 overall and in the Cape Ann League.

Morgan Majeski scored the game-winning goal with a little over ten minutes left in the second half. Fellow junior Ava Czarnota had the assist as she ended up assisting on all three goals.

“We changed our formation last week,” explained Hornets head coach Andrea Slaven. “Ava sees the field well and, with that change, it opens the field for her.”

The Tigers scored early in the first half off a corner but Majeski tied it a couple of minutes later on a corner.

Ipswich then scored their second goal on a corner at the end of the first half.

“We were able to regroup in the second half despite that goal,” said Slaven.

EMMA BORLAND dives to make one of her 14 saves against Masco. Also pictured are Julia Smith (16) and Maggie Majeski (20). (John Friberg Photo)

Paige Thibedeau then tipped home a shot by Czarnota less than four minutes into the second half to tie the game up.

Junior goalie Emma Borland made six stops to go to 2-2-1.

At Amesbury last Friday afternoon, the Hornets shutout the Indians 3-0.

Mary Majeski, Morgan’s freshman sister, scored the lone tally of the opening half off a corner for her first career goal; Czarnota assisted.

With 15:34 left in the game, Makenna Lamont made it 2-0 with Czarnota assisting.

Thibedeau got the insurance goal with 6:40 remaining assisted by Leah Corvino and Rees Lord.

Borland registered her first shutout making three saves.

Shock Masco in last second

On Sept. 11, the Hornets pulled out a thrilling, 1-1, tie over visiting Masconomet. Czarnota scored with one second left in the game, assisted by Thibedeau to shock the defending CAL champs.

“The girls stormed the field,” said Slaven. “It was very emotional and our game of the year.”

After a scoreless first half, the Chieftains scored with 9:36 remaining in the game.

Masco dominated the territorial play as they had 14 corners while the Hornets did not have any but Borland came up huge with a career-high 14 saves.

“She was lights out,” stated Slaven.

The next two games for the Hornets will both be at home. On Sept. 19, they welcome Triton. They then welcome Newburyport on Sept. 23.

Both contests will start at 3:45 p.m.