After press time:
North Reading defeats Ipswich 4-0 (Sept. 12)

 

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — The North Reading High girls’ soccer team improved to 3-0 on Tuesday night as they shut out guest Pentucket 5-0.

The Hornets have been dominant in their first three games outscoring their opponents 19-1.

Kiersten Higgins scored the first goal 13 minutes in assisted by Allie Lanciani and Reilly Tassinari.

Lanciani, then had an unassisted goal in the 38th minute to send the Hornets to a 2-0 lead at the half.

In the eighth minute of the second half, Higgins made it 3-0, assisted by Julia Scammon.

Lanciani posted her second goal at the 64:13 mark assisted by Scammon.

Scammon had the final goal at the 72:18 mark, with Tassinari assisting.

Macy Kurchian improved to 3-0 in net making five saves.

On Sept. 5, the Hornets hammered host Triton, 7-1, up in Byfield.

Lanciani had a memorable day, netting four goals.

“Allie had an outstanding game,” said Hornets head coach Sean Killeen.

Higgins scored just 1:35 into the game assisted by Belle Lazure. Lanciani had her first tally at the 14:04 mark assisted by Higgins.

 

ALLIE LANCIANI (right) and Kiersten Higgins (left) are off to an incredible start for the 3-0 NRHS girls’ soccer team. Lanciani has 7 goals and 3 assists in three games while Higgins has 6 goals and 2 assists. (Courtesy Photo)

 

Alex Sfikas made it 3-0, 17:54 in with the assist going to Tassinari.

Just 1:07 into the second half, Lanciani scored her second goal assisted by Scammon. Two minutes later, that same due linked up again to make it 5-0.

Corrina Storrs scored the lone Vikings tally 21:08 in.

The final two goals came in a 1:40 span as Mikaela O’Driscoll made it 6-1 assisted by Higgins.

Lanciani then scored her fourth goal with Tassinari assisting.

Kurchian had an easy day in net as she made two saves.

Killen also praised the play of co-captain Marisa Montana.

“I can’t say enough about Marisa’s play so far,” said Killen, about the defender. “She has stepped up and provided leadership and organization in the back.”

In the season opener on Sept. 3, it was another blowout win as the Hornets blanked host Essex Tech, 7-0, in Danvers.

North Reading led this one, 4-0, at the break.

Lanciani scored unassisted 7:26 into the game. Lanciani then assisted on Higgins goal at the 11:02 mark.

Tassinari then scored back-to-back goals at the 16:50 and 38-50 marks to send the Hornets to the half leading 4-0. Both goals were unassisted.

North Reading made it 5-0 just 1:07 into the second half as Higgins scored her second goal assisted by Lanciani.

Higgins completed her hat trick 43 seconds later with Tassinari assisting.

The final goal of the game came at the 64:57 mark as Maddie Forristall scored on a direct kick.

Just like the Triton game, Kurchian had two stops in goal.

“We played Essex Tech twice last season and won both games 2-0,” pointed out  Killeen. “Their goalie is strong and can make it challenging so it was important to got on the board early an keep the pressure on them.”

Killen was also pleased with the defense.

“The defense looked very strong winning 50-50 balls and building the play through crisp passing into the attacking third. The back line of Taylor Osterlind and O’Driscoll continued their strong form from last year,” he said.

The Hornets’ next game is on Sept. 12 as they visit Ipswich at 4:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Hornets host Manchester-Essex with that game also starting at 4:30 p.m.