Hornet volleyball prepares for first round trip to Hudson

THE HORNETS got a 3-0 win over Pentucket in their last game played on their home court in 2022. North Reading earned the No. 20 seed in the Div. 3 state tournament and will travel to No. 13 Hudson on Thursday at 6 p.m. Hudson High is about 44 miles from NRHS, an approximate one hour bus ride. The winner will in all likelihood travel to No. 4 Norton for a Round of 16 matchup. (NRHS Athletics Photo)

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

HAMILTON — After losing to Hamilton-Wenham 3-1 in the season opener on Sept. 7, the Hornet volleyball team was looking to avenge that defeat in their final game of the regular season in Hamilton.

However, the Generals were able to complete the season sweep as the beat the Hornets, 3-0, on Oct. 27.

With that defeat, the Hornets ended up at 7-12 overall and 5-9 in the Cape Ann League. They finished in second place in the CAL Kinney Division behind Newburyport.

The Generals, who were celebrating their Senior Night, ended up at 10-7 overall and 5-5 in the league.

Hamilton-Wenham won the three sets, 25-20, 27-25, and 25-21, as the match was closer than the final score would indicate.

Abby Gerber led the Hornets in assists (15) and service aces (five).  Kaitlin Murnane led the team in kills with 15 while Izzy Milone had a team-high 17 digs.

“We came out slow and were never able to hit our stride,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “We can play with them.”

North Reading ended up ranked 20^th in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. They will play their first playoff game on Thursday (Nov. 3) evening at 6 p.m. as they travel to Hudson. The Hawks are the 13^th seed, as they will enter with a record of 17-3.