Boys’ lax push winning streak to four games; improve to 7-4

SENIOR CAPTAIN Kevin Murphy (17) plays tight defense on a Newburyport attacker on April 24 at the Arthur J. Kenney Field. Murphy (five points) scored back-to-back goals late in the game to give North Reading a 10-9 victory; their first win over the Clippers in four years. (John Friberg Photo)

Published in the May 3, 2018 edition.

By DAN NUNN

NORTH READING — The Hornets jumped back over .500 after winning a 10-9 nail-biter over the visiting Newburyport Clippers on Tuesday, April 24. It is the first time North Reading has defeated Newburyport in four years. 

Senior captain Kevin Murphy led the way with four goals and one assist. Junior Sean Fagen potted three goals and three assists while fellow junior Mike Sheridan had two goals and two assists.

Early in the first quarter, NRHS jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead. But the Hornets struggled with a consistent attack for the rest of the first half and by halftime, the Clippers cut the lead to 5-4.

About 3:50 into the third North Reading had increased the lead to 7-5. Unfortunately though, Newburyport rattled off three unanswered goals and by the end of three, they led 8-7. Fortunately Murphy saved the Hornets in the fourth. With his team down 9-8 he scored the final two goals of the game to give NRHS the win.

Rout Royals 20-6

On Friday, the Hornets traveled to Georgetown and earned their third CAL victory of the season with a 20-6 rout of the Royals.

Fagen had yet another monster performance with six goals and six assists.  Sheridan had a career day as well with a team high seven goals.  Murphy recorded another hat trick with four goals and one assist and freshman Jake DiNapoli chipped in with two goals and one assist.

Maul Marauders 14-8

NRHS extended their season-long winning streak to four games with an impressive 14-8 road victory over the Belmont Marauders on Saturday night. With the win, the Hornets improved to 7-4 on the season.

Fagen continued his unbelievable week with another gigantic performance of six goals and four assists.  Sheridan added three goals and one assist, Murphy scored three more goals and junior Jay Schille recorded two goals and one assist.