By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High girls’ soccer team shut out Manchester-Essex, 5-0, on the road on Tuesday afternoon. With that victory, the Hornets improved to 4-0-1 overall and in the Cape Ann League.
The Hornets scored twice in the opening half and three more times in the second one.
Bella Mawn opened the scoring just 3:13 in assisted by Reilly Tassinari.
Star striker Allie Lanciani then scored the game’s final four goals. Her first one came 6:04 in assisted by Lilly Arian Aitchison.
With 3:11 gone in the second half, Lanciani got her second tally assisted by Kiersten Higgins. That duo connected again at the 13:15 mark to make it 4-0.
Lanciani’s final goal came 21:14 in as Tassinari assisted.
Maya Grossi made one save in net in the first half to get the win as her record improved to 3-0. Hannah Frew had three stops in the second half to preserve the shutout.
“Bella gave us the perfect start with that early goal,” pointed out Hornets head coach Sean Killeen. “It set the tone for the rest of the game. She has been a rock defensively and it was a great goal.”
Killeen also praised Lanciani.
“After scoring three goals against Ipswich, Allie was relentless tonight. Once she found her rhythm, she really took over the match in the attacking zone.”
Killeen was also happy with his defenders.
“Our back line and goalkeepers worked together to stay organized and composed. Another shutout is a credit to the whole group,” he said. “Both Frew and Grossi continue to work well together sharing the responsibilities in goal. Kate (Denehy) and Madison (Forbush) played very well on the back line.”
On Sept. 11, the Hornets blanked Ipswich, 5-0, at home. North Reading led this one, 2-0, at the half as they matched what they did against Manchester-Essex.
Ariana Demetri scored the first goal 7:27 in assisted by Higgins. Higgins then made it 2-0 at the 19:46 mark assisted by Mikaela O’Driscoll.
Lanciani, then found the back of the Tiger net three times in the second half to record her first hat trick of the year. Demetri assisted on the first one 6:47 in.
Her second goal was unassisted and came at the 13:27 mark.
O’Driscoll assisted on Lanciani’s final goal 17:09 in.
Frew got the win in net making three saves in the first half to go to 1-0-1. Grossi did not a face a shot in net in the second stanza.
“Defensively, we didn’t give Ipswich much to work with,” said Killeen. “That discipline and communication is what allows us to play with confidence up top.”
Killeen was also impressed with Demetri.
“Ariana has been working hard in training and it was great to see her create and finish chances,” said Killeen. “She adds another dimension to our potent attack.”
The Hornets host rival Lynnfield on Thursday at 4 p.m.
On Sept. 23, North Reading hosts Essex Tech at 4:45 p.m.