Published April 8, 2021
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — On Monday evening, the North Reading High volleyball team lost at Newburyport by a final of 3-1. With that defeat, the Hornets record dipped back under .500 to 4-5.
The Clippers, who upset undefeated Lynnfield last week, won their sixth straight match to go to 7-2.
Newburyport won the first two sets, 25-20 and 25-17. The Hornets avoided the sweep by winning set three 25-21 before the Clippers closed the door winning set four 25-14.
“It was a hard game for us,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “We played well in spurts but were never in sync. They are the tallest team in the league and they hit the ball well.”
Anna Bryk led the Hornets in kills with 11 while Sarah Gerber had five blocks and three service aces. Abby Gerber had 21 assists while Liz Kelly had 11 digs.
Newburyport was led by Purdue-bound senior Sydney Yim as she had 21 assists.
The Clippers were also able to sweep the season series as they won the first meeting 3-1 as well back on March 12.
The news was much better for the Hornets on March 31 as they blanked host Triton 3-0 up in Byfield.
North Reading was able to get a split of the season series as the Vikings won the first meeting 3-1 back on March 8.
“That was a solid match,” recalled Milone. “We put our foot on the gas.”
North Reading won 25-13, 25-15 and 25-21.
Bryk had 10 kills and six blocks while Jess Solecki had 13 digs. Abby Gerber had a season-high 29 assists while Kelly had a team-high five service aces.
The Hornets wrapped up the regular season on Wednesday at Lynnfield (results not available at press time).
Next week, the Cape Ann League will have its league tournament. The league changed their playoff format from the winter season as all eight volleyball teams will make it instead of just the top four.
The quarterfinals will be on April 12 and the semifinals will be on the 14th. The CAL title game will take place on April 16.
The Hornets will find out who they will open with on Thursday.
