Updates after press time:
vs. Northeast Metro Tech, postponed (May 2)
North Reading defeats Essex Tech 10-9 (May 1)
North Reading defeats Rockport 19-0 (April 30)
Published May 1, 2025
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NEWBURYPORT — In their last two games, the North Reading High softball team took care of a couple Cape Ann League opponents to get over the .500 mark as they ran their winning streak to three games.
On a sunny, warm day on Monday, the Hornets hammered Newburyport, 24-6, on the road. This game lasted only five innings as the mercy-rule kicked in.
With that victory, the Hornets improved to 5-4 overall and 5-2 in the Cape Ann League.
“They graduated their top pitcher and are in rebuilding mode,” pointed out Hornets head coach Nicole Zimmerman, as the Clippers fell to 4-6 overall and 2-5 in the league. “This was the best we have hit the ball all year.”
North Reading pounded 18 hits and had five multiple hitters. Alivia Heck led the way going 4 for 4 with four runs batted in. Emily Cassarino and Jillian Corbett were both 3 for 5. Corbett had a team-high five RBI while Cassarino knocked in two.
Ella Yeakel and Sam Cassarino were both 2 for 5 with one RBI each.
Julia Mulik had a two-run double while Meghan Russell and Naomi Barber both had RBI singles.
The Hornets scored three times in the first inning. They added five in the second, four in the third, four in the fourth and eight more in the top of the fifth.
The Clippers have scored all six of their runs in the bottom of the third.
Freshman, Emma Levato, was the winning pitcher going to 2-0. She went 2.2 innings allowing six runs (two earned), six hits and four walks.
“Emma pitched better than her numbers showed,” said Zimmerman. “Our defense needs some work.”
On April 25, the Hornets belted host Ipswich, 30-2, in another five-inning mercy-rule game.
North Reading scored six in the first, seven in the second, seven in the third, four in the fourth and five in the top of the fifth.
“They have been struggling the past couple of seasons,” said Zimmerman, as the squad recorded a season-high 32 hits.
Emily Cassarino and Corbett were both 5 for 6 at the dish as Cassarino had five runs batted in while Corbett had two.
Alyse Mutti was 4 for 5 with two RBI while Yeakel went 4 for 6 with one RBI.
Mulik was 4 for 5 with one RBI while Barber was 4 for 6 with a team-high seven RBI as she had a grand-slam homer.
Heck also homered (a three-run shot) as she was 3 for 6 with six RBI.
Levato pitched four innings giving up two runs, three hits, two walks and she fanned four. Barber, who pitched in relief in the Newburyport game, also pitched in this game as finished both games in the circle.
On Thursday, the Hornets host Essex Tech at 4:30 p.m. They then welcome Northeast Tech on Friday at 4:15 p.m. in a non-league game.
On May 5, the Hornets host Triton at 5 p.m. as they return to CAL action. They then host Amesbury on May 7 with that game starting at 4:30 p.m.