Post publication updates:
North Reading falls to Lynnfield 3-0 (Oct. 20)
North Reading defeats Georgetown 3-0 (Oct. 15)
North Reading defeats Pentucket 3-1 (Oct. 14)
Published October 16, 2025
Volleyball team extends winning streak to four
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WEST NEWBURY — On Tuesday evening, the North Reading High volleyball team beat host Pentucket, 3-1, up in West Newbury. With the win, the Hornets improved to 13-1 overall and 11-1 in the Cape Ann League. They also completed the season sweep over the Panthers as they won, 3-0, in the first meeting back on Sept. 12.
The Hornets won the first two sets, 25-22 and 25-14. Pentucket won set three, 25-18, but the Hornets closed it out in set four winning 25-22.
“It was their Dig Pink night so there was a lot of emotion for them,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “They played us much better than the first time.”
Three Hornets really stood out in this match according to Milone.
“Emery (Cordero), passed fantastic and Sydney (Scholz) was strong at the net and serving,” said Milone. “Ella (Maier) was aggressive and hitting the ball with pace.”
On Oct. 9, it was the Hornets’ Dig Pink night as they took on visiting Essex Tech. The fans in attendance got to witness quite a match as the Hornets edged the Hawks, 3-2, in a contest that lasted over two hours.
“It was a hard-fought match,” said Milone, as the Hawks gave his team all they could handle.
North Reading was also able to complete the season sweep over the Hawks as they won the first meeting, 3-0, back on Sept. 10.
The Hornets won the first set, 25-20 but lost the next two sets, 25-13 and 27-25. North Reading then rallied to win the final two sets, 25-23 and 15-8.
Maier led North Reading’s offense, with 15 kills and four service aces. Willow Koepke led the team in assists with 33.
Lee Sandovich added 10 kills while Cordero had a team-high 18 digs.
The other positive on that night was that the match raised over $1,500 to go to the Elle Fund to support the fight against breast cancer.
On Oct. 20, the Hornets have a huge showdown at Lynnfield as North Reading is looking for the season sweep in a matchup between the two top teams in the league. The Hornets won the first meeting, 3-2, back on Sept. 26.
The Hornets entered this week ranked seventh in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season, automatically qualify for the state tournament.