Update after press time:
North Reading defeats Ipswich 5-0 (May 12)
North Reading defeats Rockport 5-0 (May 8)
Published May 8, 2025
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High boys’ tennis team beat Pentucket, 4-1 at home on May 1. With that victory, the Hornets improved to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in the Cape Ann League.
“The match was more competitive than the final score would indicate,” said Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano, as his squad swept the Panthers this season.
Senior co-captain, Parker Lee, lost, 6-3, 6-2, at first singles while Kellen Tiberii won a slug-fest in three sets at second singles. The eighth-grader won the first set, 7-6 (9-7 in the tiebreaker), lost the second one, 2-6, but rebounded to win the rubber set, 7-6 (7-2 in the tiebreaker).
Raffi Toby played at third singles and shut out his opponent, 6-0, 6-0.
In doubles action, the first duo of John Pastore and Nolan Pierce won, 6-1, 6-3. The second team of Connor Abruzzese and Sameer Murthy won 7-6 (7-4 in the tiebreaker), 6-3.
On April 29, also at home, the Hornets nipped CAL newcomer Mystic Valley, 3-2.
“They have a good team and having them in our league helps,” said Bisognano.
Lee fell, 6-1, 6-0, while Tiberii won another tough three setter. He lost the first set, 2-6, but won the next two, 6-4, 6-3.
“He doesn’t mind playing from behind,” said Bisognano. “He rallied after being down, 4-0, in the second set. He made the proper adjustments to turn things around.” Pastore lost at third singles, 6-4, 6-3.
In doubles action, the first team of Pierce and Abruzzese won, 6-4, 6-4, while the second pairing of Murthy and Reilly Mabbett won, 6-4, 6-2.
“They have some good singles players but we had the advantage at doubles,” said Bisognano.
The road match at Rockport scheduled for Monday and the home match against Methuen on Tuesday were both rained out.
The Rockport match will be made up on May 10 at 4 p.m. while the Methuen match will be played on May 13 at 4 p.m.
On May 9, the Hornets host Lynnfield. They take on host Ipswich on May 12 as the team will have a busy schedule with four matches in a five-day span.
Both of these matches will start at 4 p.m.
North Reading entered this week seeded 11th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the tournament regardless of their overall record.