FINN RODGER had a goal and three assists in NR’s 7-4 win over Triton on Tuesday. The midfielder also had a goal against Essex Tech on Friday and against Lynnfield on May 7. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

 

After press time:
North Reading falls to Methuen 5-4 (May 20)
North Reading falls to Pentucket 14-3 (May 18)
North Reading falls to Manchester Essex 13-6 (May 16)

 

Published May 16, 2024

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

BYFIELD — The North Reading High boys’ lacrosse team beat host Triton, 7-4, in Byfield on an unseasonably warm, sunny day on Tuesday.

With that victory, the Hornets completed the season sweep over the Vikings as they improved to 6-8 overall and 3-7 in the Cape Ann League.

This game was tied at two at the half as the Hornets outscored the Vikings 5-2 in the second half.

“It was a really tough situation for us heading into the game as we were shorthanded,” explained Hornets head coach Chuck Campobasso, whose squad snapped a three-game losing steak. “We responded well.”

Anthony Tammaro and Nick Arcari both scored twice while Finn Rodger had one goal and a team-high three assists. Jackson Wesley and Logan Lamont had the two other North Reading tallies.

Goalie David Tran made 10 saves to improve to 6-8.

“Seven of those saves he made were outstanding,” stated Campobasso.

On May 10, the Hornets were doubled up by host Essex Tech, 10-5, up in Danvers.

“They have the best goalie we have seen so far and they were able to pull away in the fourth quarter,” said Campobasso, as the Hawks improved to 8-5. “The have two very good attackers.”

Fisher Gadbois had three goals and two assists while Tim Tavares had two and two assists for the CAL newcomers who swept the Hornets this year.

The Hawks, who led this game, 5-2 at halftime, beat the Hornets, 7-5, back on April 10 in the first meeting.

Arcari had two goals while Lamont had one goal and one assist. Rodger and Tammaro both scored once while CJ Villaroel had one assist.

Tran had 10 saves.

On May 7, the Hornets lost to rival Lynnfield, 15-6, in a game played at UMass-Lowell (Lynnfield was the designated home team).

“They have a ton of good shooters and we turned the ball over way too much,” admitted Campobasso, as the Pioneers led 9-2 at the half.

Lamont and Wesley each had one goal and one assist while single goals were scored by Arcari, Rodger, Tanner DuPriest and Conrad Gerber.

Villaroel and Duncan Gulino both had one assist.

Tran had 10 saves in this game as well.

The Hornets next game is on May 16 as they host Manchester-Essex at 4:30 p.m. They then welcome Pentucket on May 18 at 10 a.m.

On May 20, the Hornets visit Methuen in a non-league game that will start at 5 p.m.

North Reading wraps up the regular season on May 22 as they visit Amesbury with that contest starting at 4:30 p.m.

Heading into this week, before Tuesday’s Triton win, the Hornets were ranked 28th in the MIAA Division 4 power rankings. The top 32 teams automatically qualify for the states at the end of the season.