THE NRHS field hockey, pictured here at practice on Oct. 6, will look to finish strong and qualify for the D3 state tournament of which they are currently ranked 21st. (NRHS Field Hockey Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — It was a tough afternoon for the North Reading High field hockey team last Friday afternoon as they were blanked, 6-0, by host Manchester-Essex. With that loss, the Hornets fell to 3-6-1 overall and 2-6-1 in the Cape Ann League.
Manchester-Essex, who is one of the top teams in the state, improved to 9-1-2 overall and 9-1 in the CAL.
“They are the best team we have played all year,” stated Hornets head coach Andrea Slaven. “They have a high skill level and one of their players is going to a Division 1 college next year.”
The hosts scored three goals each half with two of the six coming off of corners.
Hornet junior goalie, Caroline Burton, made nine saves to go to 3-6-1 in net.
North Reading hosts Georgetown on Oct. 13 at 4:30 p.m. They then welcome a good Danvers team on Oct 16 and that non-league contest will start at 3 p.m.
On Oct. 17, the Hornets visit Malden at 4:30 p.m. North Reading is trying to sweep the non-league season series as they beat the Golden Tornadoes, 8-1, back on Sept. 12.
The Hornets will then play their third game in three days as they host Lynnfield at 5:45 p.m on Oct. 18 as they return to CAL play. That will be North Reading’s Senior Night as Olivia Dang, Karleigh Budny, Mary Majeski and Shea Tully will be honored before the game. Majeski and Tully are both captains.
North Reading will be trying to get a split of the season series as the Pioneers won the first meeting, 2-0, back on Sept. 9.
“I am concerned about the three games in three days but I am planning on using my bench so the starters don’t get worn out,” said Slaven.
Entering this week, the Hornets are ranked 21st in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 schools automatically qualify at the end of the season.
