Update after press time: North Reading falls to Manchester-Essex 5-0 (April 9)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WEST NEWBURY — Last Friday afternoon, the North Reading High boys’ tennis team edged Pentucket, 3-2, on the road. This match was originally scheduled for the day before but was rained out as the teams got to enjoy a warm, sunny day on Friday.
Senior co-captain, Parker Lee, lost in three sets at first singles. He lost the first one, 6-2, won the second one 7-6 (8-6 in the tiebreaker) but fell, 6-4 in the third set.
“Their first singles player served very well,” said Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano.
At second singles, 8th-grader Kellen Tiberii won, 6-3, 6-4. Senior co-captain, Raffi Toby, won 6-0, 6-2, at third singles.
In doubles action, the first team of sophomores John Pastore and Nolan Pierce won, 6-3, 6-2.
The second team of senior co-captain, Sameer Murthy and 10th-grader, Connor Abruzzese, lost 7-5, 7-6 (7-4 in the tiebreaker).
“Our three wins were the first three matches to finish and they were in command,” said Bisognano.
With the victory, the Hornets improved to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the Cape Ann League.
The home match against CAL newcomer, Mystic Valley, scheduled for April 7 was rained out and will be made up on April 29 at 4 p.m.
On April 11, the Hornets host Bishop Fenwick in a non-league match. They then return to CAL action on April 14 as they visit Lynnfield.
The Hornets then have another non-league match on April 15 as they host Methuen. All three of those matches will start at 4 p.m.