After press time:
North Reading falls to Essex Tech 3-1 (Oct. 2)
North Reading defeats Wilmington 3-1 (Oct. 1)
Published October 3, 2024
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High volleyball team climbed back to the .500 mark on Tuesday evening as they beat guest Wilmington, 3-1, in a non-league match.
With the victory, the Hornets improved to 5-5 overall as they are 2-0 in non-league matches this fall.
The Hornets won the first two sets, 25-9 and 25-17. The Wildcats averted the sweep winning set three, 25-22, but the Hornets ended the match by winning the fourth set 25-17.
“We were consistent the way we ran our offense,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “We also served very well.”
Milone was pleased with the play of outside hitters Ella Maier and Julia Mulik.
On Sept. 30, the Hornets were edged by rival Lynnfield, 3-2, at home.
With the loss, NR’s record dropped to 3-5 in the Cape Ann League.
The Pioneers won the first set, 25-19, but the Hornets won set two, 25-14.
Lynnfield won the third set, 26-24, but the Hornets forced a fifth set, winning 25-23 in set four.
In the final set, the Pioneers won 15-9 as the match went a little over two hours.
“We played well overall but did have some unforced errors at key times,” said Milone.
Sydney Scholz led the way as she had 14 kills, six service aces and three blocks to lead the team in all three categories.
“She was our fire starter,” stated Milone, about the sophomore middle hitter. “She is a very intense player.”
Sophomore setter, Willow Koepke, led the team in assists with 22 while Maier was the team leader in digs with 16.
The news was much better on Sept. 25, as the Hornets beat Triton 3-0 at home to snap a three-match losing streak.
The Hornets won the three sets, 25-15, 25-22 and 25-16.
“We were able to dictate from start to finish,” said Milone.
Koepke had eight service aces while Maier had five digs and six aces.
Senior co-captain, Madison Hopfer, was the team leader in assists with eight while senior middle hitter, Sami Mutti, had seven kills and a pair of blocks.
On Oct. 7, the Hornets visit Pentucket at 5:30 p.m.