Published March 25, 2021
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The North Reading High volleyball team won at Pentucket 3-0 on Monday evening. With that victory, the Hornets improved to 2-3 overall as they have won two of their last three matches.
“We played solid,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “Sophie (Trischitta) stepped in at setter when Abby (Gerber) injured her finger in the second game and did a great job.”
The Hornets won 25-8, 25-12 and 25-4 as the Sachems are one of the newer programs in the Cape Ann League.
Liz Kelly and Anna Bryk both had seven kills while Sarah Gerber (Abby’s older sister) had four blocks and nine service aces.
Kelly, a senior co-captain, led the team in digs with six.
“We served very well that match,” pointed out Milone.
At home last Friday night, the Hornets fell to undefeated Lynnfield 3-0. The Pioneers, who are the defending CAL champions, won 25-10, 25-12 and 25-18.
“They had us on our heels for most of the match,” admitted Milone. “They are still the team to beat in the league this year.”
Trischitta, a senior co-captain, had six kills and a pair of blocks while junior Jess Solecki had seven service aces.
Abby Gerber had a team-high 13 assists while Kelly and Sarah Gerber both had 11 digs.
On St. Patrick’s Day evening, the Hornets beat visiting Hamilton-Wenham 3-1. After losing the first set 25-22 the Hornets then won 25-12, 25-17 and 25-17.
“In that second set, Abby really stepped up for us with her setting,” said Milone, as Gerber had a season-high 22 assists.
Bryk led the team in kills with 17 and blocks with six. Kelly had seven service aces and Sarah Gerber had 18 digs.
On Friday night (March 26), the Hornets will host Ipswich at 6 p.m. It is the team’s Senior Night as the seven 12th-graders will be honored before the match.
On March 29, the Hornets visit Georgetown at 4 p.m. They then stay on the road on March 31 as they visit Triton up in Byfield. That match will be a 5:30 p.m. start.
