Published April 18, 2019
NORTH READING — The NRHS softball team picked up right where they left off last year, getting two wins to start the 2019 season.
The Hornets beat Reading 5-0 in the season opener on April 10.
Shea Hanson threw a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out eight.
Elli DeCleene led the Hornets with three hits in four at bats.
SHEA HANSON delivers the first pitch of the season against Reading on April 10. The sophomore threw a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits and striking out eight, as the Hornets beat the Rockets 5-0. (John Friberg Photo)
NR scored three runs to set the tone in the first inning of 2019. DeCleene led off with a single. With one out, Emma Valade reached on a dropped third strike and stole second, setting up a one-out second and third scenario for Cassandra Pascucci who doubled to center to score two. Pascucci then stole third and scored on a Hanson groundout.
The Hornets got their last two runs in the third inning. Valade singled, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Pascucci walked and another productive ground ball out from Hanson gave NR a 4-0 lead. Emma Lord then grounded out and scored Pascucci.
Hanson and the defense took it from there as the Hornets cruised to a solid first win.
Top Lynnfield 7-1
North Reading beat Lynnfield 7-1 on April 12. The Hornets plated runs in the second, third and fourth before scoring three in the fifth and one more in the seventh to run away with it.
The Hornets played Amesbury on Wednesday after press time. They then host Ipswich on Thursday morning.
