THE PLNR girls’ hockey team honored their seniors before their 1-0 win over Newburyport on Saturday. Pictured are the two seniors from North Reading, assistant captain Ella Chase (left) and captain Jenna DiNapoli. (Courtesy Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
PEABODY — In a hard-fought game, the North Reading- Lynnfield-Peabody High girls’ co-op hockey team edged guest Newburyport, 1-0, at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink in Peabody last Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Tanners competed the season sweep over the Clippers as they won the first meeting, 3-1, back on Jan. 4.
It was a special win for three reasons as it was head coach Michelle Roach’s 100th-career win and North Reading goalie Alyse Mutti also tied the school record for shutouts in a season with seven.
The third reason why it was special is that it made for a positive Senior Day as Ella Chase, Jenna DiNapoli, Avery Bird, Penny Spack, Chloe Considine and Hanna Gromko were all honored before the game. Assistant captain Chase and captain DiNapoli are both from North Reading.
Overall, the Tanners improved to 14-3 and 13-2 (second place) in the Northeastern Hockey League. Newburyport, meanwhile, fell to 6-8-1 overall and 6-6-1 in the league.
Catie Kampersal had the lone goal assisted by Chase with 3:56 left in the second period. Kampersal was going to leave the ice for a line change but saw the puck near her so she got a breakaway and beat goalie Teagan Wilson five-hole.
Mutti improved to 14-3 in net with the shutout.
“I’m grateful to my assistants, Stephen (Roach) and Amanda (Donahoe), as well as the players and parents who made this such a memorable game,” said Roach, about the 100-win milestone. “Without my assistants and my players, this accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible.”
Roach also wanted to praise her senior class.
“Their leadership is critical to our success and this game was our best total game effort,” Roach stated. “We put together three strong periods and didn’t take any shifts off.”
On Feb. 17, the Tanners face Marblehead at 7:30 p.m. at Salem State University looking for the season sweep as they won the first meeting, 3-0, on Jan. 7.
PLNR then plays Bishop Fenwick on President’s Day next Monday with that game starting at 11 a.m. The Tanners won the first match-up on Jan. 11 by a final of 5-3. Bishop Fenwick is the designated home team for that game even though the game is at the McVann-O’Keefe Rink.
The Tanners are ranked 6th heading into this week in the MIAA Division 1 power rankings.