By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
WEST NEWBURY — The North Reading High volleyball team beat host Pentucket, 3-1, up in West Newbury on Tuesday evening. That win snapped a five-match losing streak as the Hornets improved to 3-9 overall and 4-7 in the Cape Ann League.
“We played a really good match,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone, whose squad competed the season sweep over the Panthers.
The Hornets won the first two sets, 25-18, and 25-22. Pentucket won set three, 25-20, but the Hornets closed the door with a close 25-23 win in set four.
Milone was impressed with the play of senior, Kaitlin Murnane, and freshman, Willow Koepke.
“Kaitlin was excellent and all over the court,” he said. “She gives us stability.”
Koepke is getting more comfortable at her role as the season progresses.
“Willow is more secure at setting us up on offense,” said Milone.
On Oct. 5, the Hornets lost to host Essex Tech, 3-1, up in Danvers. Things looked good early as North Reading won the opening set 25-17.However, the Hawks won the next three sets, 25-20, 25-18, and 25-22.
The Hawks, who improved to 8-4, were able to compete the season sweep as they won, 3-0, back on Sept. 13 in North Reading.
“It was some of the best volleyball we have played all season,” said Milone, despite the loss. “They are just a little stronger than us.”
Sami Mutti led the Hornets in three categories, kills (nine), service aces (four) and blocks (four). Murnane had a team-high 17 digs to go with eight kills, three aces and a pair of blocks.
Mutti was right behind Murnane in digs with 15.
“Those two had powerhouse matches,” stated Milone. “They also kept their best player down.”
Madison Hopfer was the team leader in assists with 14 while Koepke had 13.
North Reading’s next game is on Oct. 12 as they visit Newburyport at 5:30 p.m. The Clippers won the first match-up, 3-0, on Sept. 27.
The Hornets then go to Hamilton-Wenham on Oct. 17 with that match also starting at 5:30 p.m.
North Reading is looking for the season sweep as they won the first meeting, 3-1, on Sept. 26.