Post publication update:
North Reading falls to Gloucester 10-9 (May 25)
North Reading defeats Newburyport 18-4 on Senior Night (May 21)
Published May 22, 2025
Softball team goes 2-2 during busy week
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WENHAM — The North Reading High softball team rolled over host Hamilton-Wenham, 12-2, on a cloudy, cool, windy day on Monday afternoon.
With that victory, the Hornets improved to 12-6 overall and 11-4 in the Cape Ann League.
Emma Levato was the winning pitcher improving to 6-2 in the circle. The freshman pitched all seven innings allowing two runs, five hits, four walks and striking out two.
The Hornets scored four times in the second, once in the fourth, six times in the sixth and once more in the top of the seventh inning.
The Hornet offense had 16 hits led by Emilia Yeakel who went 3 for 4 with two runs batted in. Emily Cassarino and Alivia Heck were both 2 for 4 at the dish as Cassarino had two RBI while Heck had one.
Naomi Barber was 2 for 5 with two RBI while Julia Mulik was 2 for 3 with one RBI.
“We got off to a slow start but were able to buckle down,” said Hornets head coach Nicole Zimmerman. “With all of the games that we have played lately, our girls are mentally exhausted.”
On May 16, the Hornets fell, 8-1, at home to Georgetown.
“They have a very good pitcher that had a great change-up,” said Zimmerman, about Royals pitcher Maddie Grant.
Grant fanned 11 Hornets.and gave up just six hits.
Levato went six innings. She gave up eight runs (three earned), 10 hits, two walks and she struck out one.
“We committed three errors and they scored five unearned runs,” said Zimmerman, as Georgetown led, 4-0, after the first inning.
The Hornets beat Pentucket, 7-1, on the road on May 15. North Reading was able to get a split of the season series against the Panthers as they lost the first meeting, 12-8, back on April 11.
Joelle Ferrazzani was the winning pitcher improved to 4-0. She went all seven innings allowing one run, six hits, seven walks and she struck out five.
“Except the walks, she pitched very well,” said Zimmerman. “We also played awesome defense behind her and did not commit any errors. We turned two double plays.”
The Hornet offense had 12 hits led by Meghan Russell who went 2 for 3. Alyse Mutti was 2 for 4 with one RBI while Cassarino was also 2 for 4 with two RBI.
Heck added a two-run homer to left in the third inning for her lone hit.
On May 14, the Hornets lost, 8-2, at Lynnfield as the Pioneers got a split of the season series. The Hornets won the first match-up, 11-5, back on April 21.
“We did not play our best game,” admitted Zimmerman. “We had trouble adjusting to that turf surface and they hit the ball very well.”
The Pioneers broke the game open with seven runs in the bottom of the fourth.
Levato went five innings. She gave up eight runs, 14 hits, four walks and she did not strike anybody out.
“They improved a lot since we faced them the first time,” said Zimmerman.
North Reading had eight hits led by Ella Yeakel who was a perfect 3 for 3. Emilia Yeakel had a RBI triple while Mutti added an RBI single.
North Reading wraps up the regular season on May 23 as they visit Gloucester. That non-league game will start at 4:30 p.m.
The Fishermen beat the Hornets, 10-2, in the season opener on April 2 as the Hornets will try to get a split of the season series.
North Reading entered this week seeded 30th 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 record.
Next Wednesday, they will find out who they will open with as the playoff seedings will come out.