Updates post publication:
North Reading defeats Hamilton-Wenham 3-0 (Oct. 12)
North Reading defeats Triton 4-0 (Oct. 13)
North Reading defeats Pentucket 2-1 (Oct. 17)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — On Oct. 6, the North Reading High field hockey team edged guest Amesbury 1-0.
With that victory, the Hornets improved to 6-3-2 overall and 4-3-2 in the Cape Ann League as they won their fourth-consecutive game.
Josie Lambert had the lone goal of the afternoon as she scored with 1:41 remaining in the first quarter. Sabrina Mini assisted.
“They came out strong and held their own,” said Hornets rookie head coach Mikayla Allen about the Red Hawks. “They play on a grass surface at home so we weren’t expecting their speed.”
This game was pretty even territorial-wise but the Red Hawks were only able to get two shots on net as goalie Caroline Burton, posted her fifth shutout of the fall.
On Oct. 4, the Hornets crushed host Malden, 5-0, in a non-league game. It was their second win in a week over the Golden Tornadoes as they beat them 6-1 on Sept. 27 at home.
North Reading scored twice in the first half and three times in the second stanza.
Mini had the first goal late in the opening quarter assisted by Maddie Lambert.
Early in the second, Ellie Moberg made it 2-0 with Lucia Mini assisting.
Off a corner, Alyse Mutti scored the third goal late in the third quarter. The assist was by Keely Hannon.
In the fourth quarter, sophomore Sophia Elsheik scored twice. Her first goal was assisted by Mutti while Maddie Lambert had the second assist.
“Sophia did wonderful,” stated Allen, as Elsheik was called up from the junior varsity team. “She was very eager to go once she got the call up.”
Elsheik and freshman midfielder Willow Regen, who was also called up, will stay with the varsity team for the rest of the year.
Tehn Panousos made her varsity debut in goal and the sophomore played the first half to record the win. She did not face any shots on net.
Burton mopped up in the second half and turned back one shot.
The next game for the Hornets will be on Oct. 13 as they host Triton at 4:30 p.m. North Reading is looking for the season sweep over the Vikings.
The team then travels to West Newbury on Oct. 17 to take on Pentucket. That game is at 4:30 p.m. The two schools tied, 3-3, in the first match-up back on Sept. 11.