THE NRHS boys’ lacrosse seniors were honored before their game against Triton on May 11. The Hornets had a strong comeback against Whittier Tech to win 11-9 on May 19. Pictured with their families on Senior Night from left to right are seniors Matthew Young, Teddy Suny, Shawn Connolly, Andrew Hopfer and Sam Morelli. (Eric Evans Photo)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

HAVERHILL — Last Friday afternoon, the North Reading High boys’ lacrosse team beat Whitter Tech 11-9 in a thrilling, non-league game up in Haverhill. The victory snapped a three-game losing streak as the Hornets improved to 5-12 overall.

Things looked grim for the Hornets at the half as they trailed the Wildcats, 8-3. However, the team stormed back in the second half to pull out the win.

“We were much better on face-offs in the second half,” explained Hornets head coach Chuck Campobasso. “We played to our potential.”

North Reading tied the game, 9-9 with a little over four minutes left in the fourth quarter and then they scored back-to-back goals in the next two minutes to close it out.

Sam Morelli had a season-high six goals to go with one assist. Teddy Suny scored four times while P.J. Conte had the other goal.

Logan Lamont had two assist while Matt Young and Tanner DuPriest both had one assist.

Goalie Dave Tran improved to 5-12 in net as he made 14 saves.

In their final Cape Ann League game of the season on May 17, the Hornets lost, 17-2, at Newburyport.

With that win, the Clippers were able to complete the season sweep over the Hornets as they won the first meeting, 14-5, back on April 18.

“It was their Senior Day and they came out firing,” pointed out Campobasso  “They have a very talented team.”

The Clippers led 3-1 after the first quarter and 7-1 at halftime.

Conte and Suny had the two Hornet goals while Morelli assisted on both of them.

Tran made 12 stops.

North Reading ended the year at 2-10 in the CAL as they finished in fourth place in the CAL Kinney Division.

The Hornets entered this week ranked 25th in the MIAA power rankings. The top 32 teams at the end of the regular season automatically qualify for the states regardless of record.

The state tournament will start next week, as the bracket will come out on May 31.