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THE NRHS field hockey team kicked off their 2024 season on Wednesday at home against Essex Tech. The Hornets host Triton on Friday at 4:30 p.m. (Eric Evans File Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Mikayla Allen is back for her second year as the head coach of the North Reading High field hockey team this season. Last fall, the Hornets reached the MIAA Division 3 Round of 16 before losing, 4-1, at Dover-Sherborn to finish at 12-5-2 overall.
In the Cape Ann League, the Hornets went 11-4-2 as they came in second place in the CAL Kinney Division behind Newburyport.
The Hornets lost four seniors from that team to graduation including Keely Hannon who was a CAL Second-Team All-Star as she led the team in points with 15. She scored 11 goals to go with four assists.
When practice opened on Aug. 19, Allen welcomed back 13 veterans including seven starters as the Hornets will be one of the most experienced teams in the league this year.
The three senior captains are Maddy Lambert (defenseman), Ellie Moberg (forward) and Alyse Mutti (midfielder).
Mutti was the Hornets lone Cape Ann League First-Team All-Star last year as she had nine points with four goals and a team-high five assists.
Lambert, who played multiple positions last fall, was a CAL Second-Team All-Star.
Anna Abruzzese (defenseman), Morgan Davis (defenseman), and Eva Hanegraaff (midfielder) are the three other 12th-graders back.
There are six juniors returning: Alaina Driscoll (midfielder), Sophia El-Shelkh (forward), Josie Lambert (forward), Lucia Mini (forward), and the Panousos twins, Thea (goalie) and Natalia (midfielder).
The lone sophomore back is Willow Regen and she is a forward.
In the preseason, the Hornets competed against Amesbury and Manchester-Essex at the CAL Play Day on Aug. 24 at Lynnfield High. They also scrimmaged Austin Prep.
“Things have gone pretty well,” said Allen, about the preseason. “The girls came in shape and ready to work. We have a very seasoned group this year.”
North Reading will be playing 17 regular-season games with two games against CAL Kinney Division teams and one game against CAL Baker schools.
They also have two-non league opponents, Malden and Malden Catholic.
“Our top goal is to qualify for the states and then try to go a little further than last year,” said Allen.
The Hornets opened the 2024 campaign on Wednesday at home against Essex Tech (results not available at press time).
North Reading hosts Triton on Friday at 4:30 p.m.
Their first road game is on Monday, Sept. 9 as they visit Pentucket with that game also starting at 4:30 p.m.