THE SENIORS were honored before NR’s game against Pentucket on Oct. 12. Pictured from left to right are seniors Bella Cannalonga, Bella Fischer, Maya Ortiz, Mia Benecke, Maggie Schulz, Julia DeAngelis, Georgia Robarts, Madelyn Arian Aitchison, Madison Vant and Ellie Heintz. (Eric Evans Photo)
Update post publication:
North Reading ties Hamilton-Wenham 1-1 (Oct. 20)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — On Monday afternoon, the North Reading High girls’ soccer team hosted Lynnfield on a slightly rainy, cool day. The game ended in a 1-1 tie.
With that result, the Hornets record went to 10-3-1 overall and 9-3-1 in the Cape Ann League.
The Pioneers scored first 5:52 into the first half as Bella Carrol scored an unassisted goal.
North Reading tied it just 59 seconds into the second half as Kierstin Higgins found the back of the Pioneer net assisted by Reilly Tassinari.
Hornet goalie, Maggie Schulz, made five saves to go to 10-3-1.
North Reading went 0-1-1 against their rivals as Lynnfield won the first meeting, 2-1, on Sept. 21.
“Although it was not the result we wanted, if we can match the speed of play during the second half and invest into an 80-minute game without significant lapses we can beat anyone,” said Hornets head coach Sean Killeen.
Killeen thought that Marisa Montana played well and was happy to have Reilly Tassinari back as she missed the last few games due to an injury.
On Oct. 12, visiting Pentucket put a damper on the Hornets Senior Night winning 2-1.
“That was a tough loss for us,” admitted Killeen.
The Panthers, who got a split of the season series, scored the lone tally of the first half as Jamie Dahlgard scored on a direct kick 18:36 in.
Dahlgard struck again on a direct kick 10:21 into the second half to make it 2-0.
“(Dahlgard) was able to take advantage of her free kicks,” said Killeen.
North Reading scored its lone tally 17:42 into the second stanza when Alex Sfikas scored on a header assisted by Belle Lazure, who had the corner kick.
“Alex continues to take advantage of her opportunities and is making a difference for the team as we try to get ready for the tournament,” said Killeeen. “I am happy for her and for us.”
Schulz made five saves in net.
Killeen was pleased with the play of senior defenseman Maddie Vant.
Before the game, the Hornets’ 10 seniors were honored.
North Reading won the first meeting back on Sept. 12, 2-0, up in West Newbury.
On Oct. 20, the Hornets host Hamilton-Wenham at 4 p.m. This will be the lone meeting of the two schools this year.
They then visit Newburyport on Oct. 24 with that game starting at 4:30 p.m.
Newburyport won the first meeting 1-0 back on Sept. 26 as the Hornets are trying to split the season series.
Heading into this week, the Hornets are ranked 20th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams, at the end of the regular season, automatically qualify for the state tournament.