Published November 2, 2023
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MALDEN — On Oct. 26, the Hornets shut out host Malden Catholic 5-0 in a non-league game in their final game of the regular season. The Hornets scored twice in the first half and three more times in the second.
With that victory, the Hornets ended up at 13-3-2 overall while the Lancers finished at 3-11-1.
At the 6:26 mark, Maddie Vant scored off a corner kick by Kierstin Higgins.
“Maddie goes 100 percent all the time and whenever you are looking to change the pace of the game she will get you there,” said Hornets head coach Sean Killeen.
Georgia Robarts then scored the next two goals. He first one came at 30:41 and her second tally came 26 seconds into the second half.
Higgins assisted on both.
“Georgia is a hard worker and with her speed and size she causes a lot of problems for other teams,” said Killeen.
Higgins, who finished the day with four points, then scored her first goal 6:17 into the second half with Reilly Tassinari assisting.
The final goal was scored by Allie Lanciani and that was assisted by Despina Sfikas at the 9:48 mark of the second half.
Hornets goal-keeper, Maggie Schulz, only had to make one stop in net as she played most of the game. It was her 13th shutout as she improved to 13-3-2 in net.
Mary Kurchian then mopped up in goal and she also had one save.
The Hornets then scrimmaged Masconomet at home on Halloween Day in order to get ready for the upcoming state tournament and the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
“With brackets not being released until Nov. 1 it was good get in a scrimmage against a very good Division 2 team,” pointed out Killeen.
North Reading entered this week ranked 17th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. They should be opening playoff action sometime this weekend (opponent, location and time unknown as of press time).
“We believe we can compete with anyone,” stated Killeen. “We are hoping to play our best soccer in November and are looking forward to the state tournament.”