By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WENHAM — On Tuesday evening, the North Reading High volleyball team lost at Hamilton-Wenham, 3-0, as the teams ended up splitting the season series.
The Generals won the three sets, 25-18, 25-17 and, 25-16.
With that defeat, the Hornets record dropped to 4-11 overall and 4-9 in the Cape Ann League.
“We got out of the gate really slow and they played much better than the first time we played them,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone, whose squad won the first meeting, 3-1, back on Sept. 26.
Despite the result, Milone was impressed by the play of outside hitters Julia Mulik and Grace Terranova.
“Both girls had pretty solid matches,” said Milone.
Mulik is a junior while Terranova is a senior.
On Oct. 12, the Hornets lost to Newburyport, 3-0, on the road. The Clippers were able to sweep the season series as they won, 3-0, back on Sept. 27 in North Reading.
Newburyport won the three sets, 25-18, 25-16, and 25-19.
“Their size advantage make it tough to defend against,” admitted Milone.
Madison Hopfer led the team in digs (11) and assists (nine) while Willow Koepke led the Hornets in service aces with three.
Terranova was the team leader in kills with seven.
The Hornets’ next match is on Oct. 19 as they host the defending Division 4 state champions, Ipswich, at 5:15 p.m.
That is the Hornets Dig Pink Match as the money raised from the raffles and bake sale will go to the fight against cancer.
North Reading will be wearing their special pink informs for that match.
They then play a non-league match at Medford on Oct. 21 at 1:30 p.m. That is Medford’s Pink Out Tournament that also involves Saugus and Malden Catholic.
North Reading, depending on how they do on Saturday, will play either MC or Saugus on Sunday (time unknown as of press time).
The Hornets then return to Cape Ann League action on Oct. 23 as they visit Triton at 5:30 p.m. as they will have to play three matches in three days.
The Vikings won the first meeting, 3-2, back on Sept. 29 as the Hornets shoot for a split of the season series.
Heading into this week, the Hornets are ranked 34th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the season automatically qualify for the states regardless of overall record.