Update post publication:
North Reading falls to Cape Cod Academy 3-2 (June 1) first round of the Div 4 state tournament

Published June 1, 2023

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — On May 24, the North Reading High boys’ tennis team was shut out by Manchester-Essex, 5-0, on the road in the regular season finale. Manchester-Essex, who improved to 12-7 overall and 9-3 in the Cape Ann League, completed the season sweep over North Reading.

North Reading ended up at 10-8 overall and 5-6 in the CAL, although this match was not a league match.

“They have a very solid team and should be a contender in Division 4,” said Hornets head coach Mark Bisognano.

At first singles, Roman Ton lost, 6-3, 7-5. Second-singles player, Parker Lee, fell 6-3, 6-2.

Third-singles player, Sameer Murthy, also fell in straight sets as he lost, 6-2, 6-1.

In doubles play, the team of Jonathan Park and Alex DeWolfe lost 7-5, 6-4. The second team of Aiden Patell and Raffi Toby lost by matching 6-4 scores.

The news was much better for the team the day before as they shut out Lowell Catholic, 5-0, at home in a non-league match.

The Hornets were able to complete the season sweep over the Crusaders.

Before the match, the three Hornet seniors were honored.

Ton shutout his opponent, 6-0, 6-0, while Toby played at second singles and won, 6-3, 6-1. DeWolfe was at third singles and he won in straight sets as well, 6-0, 6-1.

Patel and Park won, 6-1, 6-0, at first doubles. Seniors, Ruari Maynes and Isaac Liang won, 6-2, 6-1, at second doubles.

“It was a great chance to get the seniors in and Ruari and Isaac were able to avenge a loss to them earlier this season,” said Bisognano.

Park is the team’s other senior.

North Reading earned the No. 25 seed in the Div. 3 bracket. That means that they will be traveling to Cape Cod on Thursday, June 1 to take on Cape Cod Academy in the first round of the state tournament at 4 p.m.

Cape Cod Academy is the 8th seed as they will enter the match with a record of 12-2.

If the Hornets win that match, they will take on the winner of the No. 9 Old Rochester (11-3) vs. No. 24 East Longmeadow (10-4) match in the Round of 16 (date unknown at press time)