Published June 20, 2019
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Three members of the North Reading High softball team were recently named to the Cape Ann League First-Team All-Stars. One other Hornet made the CAL Second-Team All-Stars.
The three Hornets to make the CAL First-Team All-Stars were Cassandra Pascucci, Emma Valade and Shea Hansen. Pascucci, a senior co-captain, made the team for the third year in a row.
The pitcher/second baseman hit a team-high .529 with four homers and led the squad in runs batted in with 32. In the circle she went 6-2 with an earned-run average of 1.20.
Valade, another senior co-captain, made the team for the first time. The right fielder hit .514 with a team-high seven homers and 25 RBI.
CASSANDRA PASCUCCI was named a CAL All-League All-Star for the third consecutive season. (John Friberg Photo)
Hanson, a sophomore, also made the team for the first time. The pitcher went 12-2 with an earned run average of 1.30. She struck out 104 and walked 14. At bat she hit .325.
Elli DeCleene made the CAL Second-Team All-Stars. The junior leadoff hitter hit .446 and she had an on-base percentage of .500. The center fielder also led the team in runs scored with 25.
“All of these girls led on offense and defense,” said Hornets assistant coach Paul Greene. “I am very proud of all of them.”
North Reading reached the Division 2 quarterfinals before losing at home to Arlington Catholic, 5-4, on June 3. With that loss, the Hornets ended the year at 18-4.
The Hornets came in second place in the CAL Kinney division behind Triton as they went 14-2 in the league. They also handed Triton its lone league loss.
Along with Pascucci and Valade, the team will lose two other seniors, the Ferrazzani twins, Jessica and Leah.
“It was a pleasure getting to coach all four of them,” said Greene. “They were all very dedicated players. When you are a senior you have a lot going on at the end of the season.”
The Hornets should be in good shape next year as they are slated to return 12 veterans.
“We have a very good nucleus coming back next season,” said Greene.
Along with Hanson and DeCleene, another key player back will be Julia Howse, who will be a junior next spring. This year the shortstop hit .424 with three home runs and 23 RBI’s.
