Published May 9, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — It was a showdown for first place in the Cape Ann League Kinney division on Monday as the North Reading High softball team hosted Masconomet. The Hornets ended up doubling up the visiting Chieftains 4-2 to improve to 7-1 overall and 5-1 in the Cape Ann League.

“Besides the win over Triton, this was our biggest win of the year,” said Hornets assistant coach Paul Greene.

Cassandra Pascucci was the winning pitcher improving to 3-0 as she had a no-hitter. The Chieftains (5-2) scored twice in the top of the seventh inning aided by four Hornet errors.

“Cassandra was tremendous,” said Green. “We have got to do better to close out games. We didn’t have any errors heading into that last inning.”

EMMA VALADE makes a nice catch in right field against Hamilton-Wenham on May 1. Valade also led the Hornets at the plate against the Generals, going 3 for 4 with three RBI’s. (John Friberg Photo)

North Reading scored all four of its runs in the bottom of the first inning. Julia Howse hit a two-run homer to left for her first dinger of the year to make it 2-0.

Then, with two outs, Emma Lord added a two-run single.

The Hornets finished the game with seven hits led by Howse and Pascucci who were both 2 for 3.

Conquer Generals

On May 1, the Hornets beat Hamilton-Wenham 13-0 at home in a five-inning mercy-rule game. Shea Hansen was the winning pitcher improving to 4-1 in the circle going three innings. Pascucci went the final two.

“They both only gave up one hit each and were consistent around the plate,” said Greene.

The offense pounded out 13 hits against General pitching led by senior co-captain Emma Valade who went 3 for 4 with three runs batted in.

“She is our cleanup hitter for that reason,” said Greene, as Valade is hitting over .500.

Pascucci went 2 for 3 at the dish with a walk and an RBI.

North Reading returns to action on May 10 as they host Georgetown. They then visit Masconomet next Monday afternoon.

On May 15, the Hornets host Lynnfield.

All three games will start at 3:45 p.m.