By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
BYFIELD — On Monday night, the North Reading High field hockey team was edged, 1-0, by host Triton up in Byfield. The Vikings, who were playing their Senior Night game, were able to sweep the season series as they improved to 7-1-2 overall and 6-1-1 in the Cape Ann League.
The Hornets, meanwhile, fell to 3-5-1 overall and 2-5-1 in the CAL.
“There was only one referee, which I was very disappointed about,” explained Hornets head coach Andrea Slaven. “We played with poise and confidence but were at a big disadvantage.”
Slaven was very upset about the official situation (normally there are two for a game) as Triton finished with 10 corners while the Hornets didn’t have any.
The lone Triton tally of the evening came off a corner with 3:39 left in the third quarter.
Hornets’ junior goalie, Caroline Burton, made a season-high 12 saves.
“She played terrific,” stated Slaven.
The news was much better on Sept. 28 as the Hornets knocked off guest Hamilton-Wenham by a final of 4-1.
The Generals scored the first goal of the afternoon with 51.3 seconds left in the first period.
North Reading then erupted for three third-quarter goals to take command.
Ellie Moberg had the first on with 13:30 left off a corner. Mary Majeski, who leads the team in points this season, assisted.
Majeski made it 2-1 with 7:47 left, unassisted. With 3;09 remaining, Alyse Mutti scored the third goal with Majeski assisting.
Moberg notched her second tally tipping home a shot by Majeski.
“We were not connecting in the first half,” admitted Slaven. “Their goalie was going down so we were able to lift some shots above her in the second half.”
Burton turned back eight General shots on net.
On Oct. 7, the Hornets visit a tough Manchester-Essex squad at 4:15 p.m.
