Update post publication:
North Reading defeats Malden Catholic 5-0 (Oct. 26)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High girls’ soccer team were able to get a split of the season series against Newburyport on Tuesday afternoon as they beat the host Clippers 2-0.
Newburyport (10-4-1 overall and 9-4-3 in the Cape Ann League) won the first meeting, 1-0, back on Sept. 26.
With that victory, the Hornets record improved to 12-3-2 overall and 11-3-2 in the CAL.
After a scoreless opening half, the Hornets scored twice in the first 28:52 of the second stanza.
Ariana Demetri had the first tally assisted by Allie Lanciani 12:41 in. Lanciani then assisted on Kierstin Higgins goal at the 68:42 mark.
Hornet goalkeeper, Maggie Schulz, made four saves to record her 12th shutout as she improved to 12-3-2 in net.
On Oct. 20, the Hornets tied visiting Hamilton-Wenham 1-1 in the team’s lone meeting this season.
Both goals came in the opening half. At the 21:58 mark, Higgins scored assisted by Reilly Tassinari.
“She finds another gear and is able to get herself into position to have a good look at the frame and can finish,” said Hornets head coach Sean Killeen. “It was a highlight goal against a team that had only given up two goals all season.”
The undefeated Generals tied it 31:59 into the first half as Maren Cassidy scored an unassisted tally.
Schulz made five saves.
On Oct. 18, the Hornets blanked host Georgetown, 2-0 in their only match-up this fall.
Belle Lazure scored on a rebound of her own free kick 15:49 into the first half.
“Belle is so dangerous on dead balls,” said Killeen. “She strikes the ball clean and not many players, never mind goalies, want to step in front of it,”
The Hornets then capitalized on a penalty kick as Schulz scored at the 53:22 mark.
“Maggie is a soccer player,” explained Killeen, about why she uses her to take the penalty kick. “Her home is in goal but she can contribute in many different ways.”
Schulz turned back five shots in this game as well.
On Oct. 26, the Hornets visit Maiden Catholic at 4 p.m. They then wrap up the regular season with another non-league opponent as they host Masconomet on Halloween afternoon at 5 p.m.
North Reading entered this week seeded 19th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams automatically qualify.