Published in the September 7, 2017 edition
RACHEL HILL is one of six returning seniors for the NRHS girls’ soccer team.
By DAN NUNN
NORTH READING — The 2017 Lady Hornets return a handful of players who have been key contributors during North Reading’s three year run as Division 3 North Finalists.
A total of six seniors; Kirsten Bradley, Meredith Griffin, Rachel Hill, Jerlin Kaithamattam, Juliette Nadeau and Karlie Vesey return with over 15 seasons of combined varsity experience.
The trio of Nadeau, Hill and Vesey, who have been major point producers over the past three seasons, will provide the scoring punch. Bradley will anchor the defense. Griffin and Kaithamattam will be competing with fellow seniors Rachel Foster and Lauren Comeau for either positions on defense or in the midfield.
Junior Alyssa Crugnale will have the tall task of replacing two-time CAL player of the year Katerina Hassapis in goal. But Head Coach Sean Killeen knows Crugnale is ready to make a name for herself and is “going to turn a lot of heads this season.” Along with Crugnale, junior midfielders/defenders Gabrielle Barker and Mia DeNofrio are ready to make the jump to varsity.
The Hornets will need to showcase their talent to navigate the always tough Cape Ann League.
“The CAL is loaded with talented teams that will require our full attention every match. Some of the best D-3 and D-4 schools in the state play in this league,” said Killeen.
Killeen went on to say, “The CAL will make it tough for us to make sure we qualify for the tournament. But our expectations are high and everyone is working hard to make sure the success on the field continues.”
