Gerber, Murnane named CAL First Team All-Stars

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — Two members of the North Reading High volleyball team were named to the Cape Ann League First-Team All-Stars: senior Abby Gerber and junior Kaitlin Murnane.

For Gerber, it is her second year in a row on the First-Team All-Stars. The senior co-captain led the team in kills, assists and service aces. She was third in digs.

“She had a fantastic year,” stated Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “We switched to a 6-2 formation and with that second setter, it made her a bigger threat on offense. She is a complete player that can play a lot of positions.”

The setter was also named to the MAVCA All-Star team as well.

For Murnane, it was her first-ever post-season honor. The junior middle hitter was first on the team in blocks and second in kills. She was also third in service aces.

ABBY GERBER

“She played a little for us last year and she really came into her own this year and I felt comfortable with her out there,” said Milone.

In a very difficult Cape Ann League, the North Reading high volleyball team was able to, again, qualify for the MIAA Division 3 state tournament this season.

The Hornets ended up losing, 3-1, at Hudson in the Round of 32 game to end the year at 7-13 overall. In the Cape Ann League they went 5-9 as they finished in second place in the CAL Kinney Division behind Newburyport.

“It took us some time to get up to speed but we ended up playing our best volleyball at the end of the season,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone, who just finished his 13^th-year with the squad. “We won four of our last six regular-season games.”

KAITLIN MURNANE

North Reading will lose five seniors to graduation: Gerber (setter- outside hitter), Izzy Milone (libero), Maddy Koenig (outside hitter), Yasmin Farias (outside hitter) and Mia Pittore (defensive specialist).

Gerber, Milone and Koenig were the three captains.

“They will be very difficult to replace with their leadership skills,” admitted Milone. “They were a fantastic group of kids.”

Next fall, the Hornets will have seven players back led by Murnane.

“Next year will be another growing year for us,” said Milone. “Our goal will be to make the states again.”

The Hornets are slated to have its team awards banquet in January.