By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The red-hot North Reading High volleyball team improved to 6-0 overall and 5-0 in the Cape Ann League on Tuesday evening as they defeated Ipswich, 3-0, at home.
It was the first time in years that that the Hornets have beaten the Tigers, who have won the last four Div. 4 state titles.
“They graduated nine players from that team from last year,” pointed out Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “Our squad played well but they made it tough, even with all new players.”
North Reading won the three sets, 25-22, 25-14 and 25-18.
Ella Maier had a huge game according to Milone.
“She was a beast out there,” stated Milone, about the senior. “She did well serving, at the net and in the back row.”
On Sept. 12, the Hornets beat Pentucket, 3-0, at home. North Reading won the three sets, 25-16, 25-22, and 25-10.
“They are a super scrappy team,” said Milone, about the Panthers.
Junior, Willow Koepke, led the Hornets in assists with 19 and service aces with five. Maier had eight kills while junior co-captain, Sydney Scholz had two blocks.
Libero, senior captain Emery Cordero, had a team-high nine digs.
On Sept. 10, the Hornets traveled to Danvers to take on Essex Tech. They came home with a 3-0 win.
The Hornets won the three sets, 25-13, 25-18, and 27-25.
“Our serve-receive was so on that match,” pointed out Milone. “We played very well in our system. Essex Tech started to settle down as the match went along and played much better.”
Cordero had a team-high 13 digs and tied Koepke in service aces with four. Koepke also led the team in assists with 22.
Maier had eight kills against the Hawks.
“Sydney also was crushing her serves,” added Milone about Scholz.
On Sept. 18, North Reading visits Hamilton-Wenham at 5:15 p.m.They then go to Georgetown on Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m.
On Sept. 24, the Hornets welcome Newburyport at 5:15 p.m. North Reading is looking for the season sweep over the Clippers as they beat them, 3-1, back on Sept. 4.