Published in the November 3, 2016 edition
FRESHMAN MIDFIELDER Joanna Kellogg battles for possession against Lynnfield. (John Friberg Photo)
By DAN NUNN
Senior Night Spoiled by Lynnfield
NORTH READING — The visiting Lynnfield Pioneers spoiled Senior Night with their 2–1 victory over the Hornets on October 25, their second victory over North Reading in as many games this season. Junior Juliette Nadeau was the lone goal scorer for North Reading.
Before the opening kickoff seniors Kristina Copelas, Gianna Delaney, Katerina Hassapis, Giana Moscaritolo, Jessica Muise, Haley Nathan, Spencer O’Rourke, Alania Wise and Marissa Zarella were honored.
The Hornets were looking to avenge an early season loss to the Pioneers and came out ready to play. North Reading controlled play for the majority of the first half. But soccer can be a cruel game and midway through the first half Pioneer senior Liz Reed sent a direct free kick to an open Lynnfield attacker for a free header to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
After the goal the Hornets continued to create chance after chance but were unable to find a goal. Unfortunately bad luck struck again with five seconds left in the half when a failed clearance found Reed who buried a shot into the net to give the Pioneers a 2–0 halftime lead.
In the second half the Hornets played with greater confidence and finally got on the board midway through the half. On the play Zarella played a nice through ball to Nadeau who beat her defender and got off a left footed shot to cut the deficit to one. North Reading continued to put intense pressure on Lynnfield the rest of the game but Pioneer defenders cleared two balls off the goal line at two different times to preserve the win.
Close regular season with win at Bishop Fenwick
The Lady Hornets ended the regular season with a 1–0 victory over the Bishop Fenwick Crusaders on Thursday. Marissa Zarella scored the lone goal of the game.
Bishop Fenwick was still in the need of a win to qualify for the state tournament and their intensity was evident as play began. But the Hornets continued to wear down the Crusaders and eventually got on the board.
Nadeau placed a clever through ball to junior Jerlin Kaithamattam who made a great run in behind the last defender and was able to get a shot off. The charging goalie got a small piece off the ball slowing its course to the back of the net. Fortunately Zarella continued her run and finished off the goal. The defensive line of Muise, Moscaritolo and junior Kirstin Bradley anchored by Hassapis were brilliant the rest of the way and held off the Crusaders
