After press time: North Reading ties Newburyport 0-0 (Sept. 4)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last fall, the North Reading High girls’ soccer team fell, 3-2, to guest North Middlesex in the MIAA Division 3 Round of 32 game. With that defeat, the Hornets finished at 15-2-2 overall.
In the Cape Ann League, they captured the Kinney Division title going 13-1-2.
The Hornets lost 10 seniors to graduation including CAL All-Conference center-back Marissa Montana and goalkeeper Mary Kurchian.
When the preseason opened on Aug. 18, veteran head coach Sean Killeen welcomed back several key returners.
This year’s senior tri-captains are Kiersten Higgins, Reilly Tassinari, and Allie Lanciani. Lanciani, a striker, was a CAL All-Conference player who was also named the league’s Player of the Year last year as she had 24 goals and 15 assists.
Higgins was also a CAL All-Conference player last fall as the forward had 23 goals and six assists.
Tassinari was another CAL All-Conference player as the center-midfielder had eight goals and 16 assists.
Four other forwards back are juniors Ariana Demetri, Eva Cannalonga, Isabella Mawn and sophomore Paige Matthews.
“We have the experience and chemistry needed to remain one of the league’s most potent offenses,” stated Killeen.
Killeen is also confident about his defense led by senior Sara Suny.
“She a steady presence on the back line who combines toughness and excellent awareness,” said Killeen.
Other returning defenders are seniors Taylor Osterlind, Juliet Wasilewski, Mikaela O’Driscoll and sophomore Paige Vant.
Some new 12th-graders on the roster this year are Alexis Murray, Emerson Montejo, Maya Menis and Mackenzie Freedman.
“Although they are first year varsity players, they will provide experience and competitiveness on the field,” said Killeeen. “With such a deep senior class, we benefit from talent and leadership that will be invaluable in close matches and playoff situations.”
With Kurchian gone, Killeen will platoon sophomores Maya Grossi and Hannah Frew in net to start out the year.
With all of the veterans back, Killeen is very optimistic about his roster.
“As the season begins, expectations will be high for our talented squad,” said Killeen. “We are not just aiming to replicate their success from last fall but they are determined to build on it with senior leadership guiding the way and underclassmen ready to step into larger roles.”
North Reading scrimmaged Marblehead, Wilmington and North Andover winning all three games.
The Hornets visited Pentucket on Sept. 2 to open the year and earned a 5-0 win. A full story will appear next week.
On Thursday, North Reading goes to Newburyport at 4:45 p.m.
The home opener is Sept. 9 at 4:45 p.m. as Triton comes to town.