Published in the September 14, 2017 edition
SENIOR Noel Riley (26) goes up for a kill against Lynnfield. (John Friberg Photo)
GEORGETOWN — On Monday afternoon, the North Reading volleyball team improved to 2-1 overall and in the Cape Ann League as they won at Georgetown, 3-0. They won the first game, 25-19, and the second one, 25-9. They then won the final game by a score of 25-12.
“They have been around as a program for four years but have already had three different coaches,” explained Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “It is real tough for the kids having that kind of turnover.”
Noel Riley led the team in blocks with four and kills with eight. Jenna Forcellese had eight digs while Abby Paine led the team in assists with 12.
Katy Larsdale had 18 service points including six aces.
Last Friday, in their home opener, the Hornets lost to rival Lynnfield, 3-1. North Reading won the first set, 25-20, but lost the next three sets, 25-17, 25-20 and 25-17 in the final set.
“We came out on fire but we struggled to sustain it,” said Milone. “They have a really solid team again this year.”
Senior co-captain, Abby D’Orlando, had 21 digs, 16 assists and six service aces as she had a solid game. Forcellese had 21 digs while Larsdale had ten kills.
In the season opener on Sept. 6, the Hornets won, 3-0, at Newburyport. The scores were 25-10, 25-9 and 25-17.
“This is their first year as a varsity team,” pointed out Milone, about the Cape Ann League newcomers. “They had either a club or junior varsity team last year.”
Larsdale had 15 service points while D’Orlando had nine assists. Seren Ventullo had five service aces and three digs while Riley had six kills.
NRHS hosted Triton yesterday after press time. The Hornets play their first non-league game on Thursday as they visit Peabody. They then return to CAL action next Monday as Masconomet comes to town.
Both matches start at 5:30 p.m.
