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MARISA MONTANA is one of two senior captains for the 2024 NRHS girls’ soccer team along with Julia Scammon. The Hornets started their season with a 7-0 win over Essex Tech on Tuesday. (Eric Evans Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last fall, the North Reading High girls’ soccer team lost in the Division 3 MIAA Round of 32 playoff game to host Saugus, 1-0, in penalty kicks.
Overall, the Hornets final record was 13-4-2 with the heart-breaking post-season defeat.
In the Cape Ann League, they ended up 11-3-2 as they came in third place in the CAL Kinney Division behind Hamilton-Wenham and Lynnfield.
Nine players from that roster graduated but head coach Sean Killeen welcomed back 17 veterans when camp opened up on Aug. 19.
Two of those veterans back are this year’s senior captains, Julia Scammon and Marisa Montana. Scammon is a midfielder while Montana is a defender.
“We have been impressed with the leadership and commitment of Marisa and Julia in preparation for the season,” said Killeen.
The other seniors back are Belle Lazure, Alexa Pepper, Grace Higgins and the Sfikas twins, Alex and Pia.
“They all bring valuable experience to the field,” said Killeen.
Senior Macy Kurchian, who replaces the graduated Maggie Schulz, will start in net and has only conceded one goal in four preseason games.
These veterans will be joined by varsity newcomers Maddie Forristal and Jillian Ball.
The six juniors back are Kiersten Higgins, Allie Lanciani, Reilly Tassinari, Sara Suny, Juliet Wasilewski and Taylor Osterlind
Higgins was a CAL All-League player and she was also a First-Team, Eastern Mass. All League member last year. The striker had a team-high 18 goals and added seven assists.
Lanciani was a CAL All-Star as she had 11 goals and five assists last fall.
Higgins, Lanciani and Tassinari are all forwards and midfielders while Suny, Wasilewski and Osterlind will anchor the defense.
“That back line only allowed seven goals last season which is a testament to their high level of play,” said Killeen.
Ariana Demetri and Eva Cannalonga, who were late additions to the roster last year as freshmen, are looking to build on their experience and make an impact this season.
New players include junior Michaela Driscoll who will add depth to the defensive line, while sophomore Bella Mawn has already proven to be a strong presence in the central midfield according to Killeen.
Ninth-graders, Paige Mathews and Paige Vant, have been impressive during their first preseason and will break camp on the varsity roster.
“The Paige’s have been a pleasant surprise,” said Killeen.
North Reading started their season with a 7-0 victory on the road over Essex Tech. Higgins scored 3 goals while Tassinari had 2 goals and an assist and Lanciani had a goal and 2 assists. Forristall scored the final goal. Kurchian made 2 saves for the shutout. A full recap will appear next week.
The Hornets go to Triton on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Sept. 10, North Reading welcomes Pentucket at 4:45 p.m. in the home opener.
“These early matches will be crucial as we aim to start the season strong and set the tone for the challenges ahead,” said Killeen. “We have a deep and talented roster that will compete hard at training and in every game. The junior varsity squad has several players that could step up and contribute at any time as well.”