Post publication updates:
North Reading defeats Amesbury 2-1 (Oct. 6)
North Reading defeats Arlington Catholic 4-2 (Oct. 4)
North Reading falls to Newburyport 6-0 (Oct. 1)
Published October 2, 2025
Two wins and a tie send field hockey team to 7-3-1
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The first time the North Reading High field hockey team faced Pentucket on Sept. 3, the Hornets easily won 6-1 on opening day.
On Monday afternoon, the two schools met again, this time in North Reading. This contest was a lot different, however, as the game ended in a 1-1 tie on a warm, sunny day.
With that draw, the Hornets record went to 7-3-1 overall and 5-3-1 in the Cape Ann League
“Our team was overconfident going into this game and I was very disappointed,” stated Hornets head coach Mikayla Allen. “Pentucket has improved a lot, but we didn’t play very well.”
After a scoreless opening half, the Panthers scored first with seven minutes left in the third quarter.
North Reading tied it in the fourth as Brittany Morris scored with 7:57 left in the game. That goal was unassisted.
Hornet senior goalie, Thea Panousos, made seven stops as her record went to 6-3-1.
Last Friday afternoon, the Hornets blanked host Malden, 6-0, as North Reading swept the non-league Golden Tornadoes this year.
All six goals were scored in the opening half as Brooke Morris (Brittany’s sister) and Josie Lambert scored twice. Brooke Keller and Mia Driscoll had the two other goals.
Panousos had an easy day in net having to make just one save.
“We worked on our skills in the second half,” pointed out Allen, as her squad took their foot off the pedal.
On Sept. 24, the Hornets shut out Rockport, 4-0, at home on a rainy day.
After a scoreless opening period, the Hornets took command scoring three times in a 2:30 span in the second quarter.
Lambert scored with 8:30 remaining while Brooke Morris made it 2-0 with seven minutes left. Alaina Driscoll had the third tally with six minutes remaining.
“That short span was the key for us,” said Allen.
With 1:32 left in the third, Jemma Hanegraaff had the final goal for the afternoon.
All four goals were unassisted.
Panousos made four saves against the Vikings.
On Oct. 4, the Hornets visit Arlington Catholic in a non-league game at 10 a.m.
They then return to CAL action on Oct. 6 as they visit Amesbury. Two days later, they go to Byfield to take on Triton, who they beat, 2-1, in the first meeting a few weeks ago. Both of those games will start at 4 pm.
The Hornets are currently ranked 25th in the MIAA Div. 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season, regardless of record, automatically qualify for the states.