SENIOR CAPTAIN Sabrina Mini scored one of North Reading’s 3 goals in their shutout win over Rockport on Monday. (Eric Evans File Photo)

 

 

Update post publication:
North Reading ties Lynnfield 1-1 (Sept. 20)
North Reading falls to Newburyport 5-0 (Sept. 25)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — In a heavy rainstorm on Monday afternoon, the North Reading High field hockey team shut out visiting Rockport by a final score of 3-0.

With that victory, the Hornets improved to 2-2-1 overall and in the Cape Ann League.

“The weather did have an impact on the game,” said  North Reading first-year head coach Mikayla Allen. “The players on both teams were more reserved and cautious.”

Lucia Mini got the locals on the scoreboard with 8:26 left in the first quarter. She was assisted by Josie Lambert.

Lambert, a sophomore, then netted the second goal with the assist going to Keely Hannon. That tally came with 4:23 remaining in the third.

The final goal was scored with 5:32 left in the game as senior co-captain, Sabrina Mini, scored assisted by Alaina Driscoll.

Senior co-captain, Caroline Burton, made six saves to improve to 2-2-1 in net.

“It was a good win considering the rain,” said Allen.

On Sept. 13, the Hornets lost to host Manchester-Essex 4-1.

Manchester-Essex scored twice in the first quarter. Caelie Patrick had the first one with a tip off Abby Kent’s shot with 9:22 left.

The second goal was posted by Torrin Kirk just 44 seconds later.

North Reading cut the lead to one in the second quarter as Driscoll scored an unassisted goal with 7:22 remaining in the first half.

With 3:04 left in the third quarter, Kirk struck again for the home team to make it 3-1. That goal was unassisted.

Laila Mears had the final goal with 2:40 remaining in the game.

“They look great,” admitted Allen, as Manchester-Essex has been a CAL power for many years. “They are a strong team that can go deep into the state tournament.”

Burton had a career-high 23 saves as Manchester-Essex dominated the territorial play.

“Caroline was phenomenal,” stated Allen. “She kept the score from getting out of hand.”

The Hornets’ next game will be on Sept. 25 as they host Newburyport. Two days later, they welcome Malden for a non-league game.

Both contests will start at 4:30 p.m.