Five straight wins has Hornet volleyball in playoff picture

Published October 10, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

BOXFORD — On Monday afternoon, the North Reading High volleyball team lost at Masconomet, 3-0. The Chieftains, who completed the season sweep over the Hornets, won 25-14, 25-16 and 25-13.

“We struggled against a stronger opponent,” said North Reading head coach Mike Milone. “We made too many mistakes out there.”

The defeat snapped a five-match winning streak as the Hornets record dropped to 6-6 overall and 4-5 in the Cape Ann League. They must now go at least 3-3 in their final six matches in order to qualify for the Division 2 state tournament.

Beat Medford 3-1

In a non-league match on Oct. 4th, the Hornets beat visiting Medford, 3-1.

North Reading won the first two games, 25-23, and, 25-20. The Mustangs won the third game, 25-21, but the Hornets won the final game, 25-15.

“Our girls played well,” said Milone. “It was a hard-fought win.”

Liz Kelly had a solid match as she had 15 service points and three aces. She also added eight kills and 16 digs. Inga Plavina led the team in kills with 11.

Conquer Royals

On Oct. 2, the Hornets defeated guest Georgetown 3-1 to complete the season sweep over the Royals. Like in the Medford match, the Hornets won the first two games winning 25-20 and 25-16. The Royals won game three, 25-22, but the Hornets won the fourth game 25-14.

“They have come a long way,” said Milone about the Royals who were a co-op team with Pentucket up until this season.

Shayla Wilk had five service aces while Plavina had six kills. Kelly led the squad in digs with 20.

On Oct. 11, the Hornets host the top team in the CAL Lynnfield at 5:15 p.m. They then visit Hamilton-Wenham on Oct. 16 also at 5:15 p.m.

North Reading is looking for the season split against both teams.

INGA PLAVINA spikes the ball past the Medford defense. Plavina led the team with 11 kills to help the Hornets win their fifth in a row. (John Friberg Photo)

Field hockey wins third straight on senior night

Hornets stun previously undefeated Manchester-Essex

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — The North Reading High field hockey team won its third game in a row on Tuesday night as they blanked guest Georgetown 2-0 on Senior Night.

With that victory, the Hornets improved to 6-5-1 overall and 5-1 in the Cape Ann League. The team now needs five points in its final six games in order to qualify for the Division 2 state tournament.

After a scoreless opening half, Morgan Majeski scored on a corner with 16:40 left in the game. Emma and Rees Lord both assisted.

Rees Lord then scored the other goal, also on a corner, with 11:34 remaining. Ava Czarnota and Jeny Collins both assisted.

Hornets goalie, Emma Borland, posted her fourth shutout of the season, and third in a row, making four saves.

Julia Smith, defenseman, also had one defensive save.

Before the game, the eight Hornet seniors, along with the Royals’ seniors were honored.

“It was a great way to celebrate Senior Night,” said Hornet head coach Andrea Slaven. “The night is emotional and the girls had the jitters in the first half but they played much better in the second half.”

Historic win over Manchester-Essex

On Oct. 3, the team upset previously undefeated Manchester-Essex 2-0 on the road.

“It was the biggest win of my coaching career,” stated Slaven, who won three CAL coach of the year awards while head coach of Manchester-Essex from 2010-12. “The girls were dominating and getting more momentum as the game went along.”

That win snapped Manchester-Essex’s 79-game CAL winning streak.

Emma Lord had the first tally with 15:40 left in the first half assisted by Majeski.

In the second half, Majeski made it 2-0 with 8:22 remaining assisted by her sister, Mary.

Borland had four stops.

After the final horn went off the team celebrated one of their biggest wins in team history.

On Thursday (Oct. 10), the Hornets visit Masconomet. The team tied in their first meeting. On Oct. 15, North Reading hosts Lynnfield trying to get a split of the season series.

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