Published June 3, 2021

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — It was a battle of the Hornets on Tuesday afternoon as the North Reading High girls’ lacrosse team welcomed Manchester-Essex on a warm, sunny day. The visitors ended up beating the locals 15-4 in a game they led 12-2 at halftime.

“They have a lot of finesse the way they play,” said North Reading head coach Matt Costello of the visiting Hornets. “They moved the ball very well in transition.”

North Reading’s record fell to 1-7 overall while Manchester-Essex improved to 4-3.

THE NRHS girls’ lacrosse team celebrated their seniors on May 28. Pictured in the front row from left to right: Emma Borland, MaryKate Lundy, Morgan Craig and Clara Sullivan. In the back row from left: Rees Lord, Eviana MacInnis, Amelia Milano, Brianna Guidebeck and Kiley Rosenthal. (Courtesy Photo)

Eviana MacInnis led the home team with two goals while Rees Lord and Kiley Rosenthal each scored once.

North Reading goalie Emma Borland made five saves.

Last Friday afternoon, the Hornets lost at home to Triton by a final of 9-7 on a cool, cloudy day. The Vikings were able to sweep the season series as they won 14-12 in the first meeting on May 21.

It was Senior Night as North Reading honored their nine seniors: Borland, Lord, MacInnis, Rosenthal, Morgan Craig, Brianna Guidebeck, Marykate Lundy, Amelia Milano and Clara Sullivan. 

The Hornets led this one at the half 7-5. Triton then went to a zone defense in the second half and they were able to shut out the Hornets.

“The zone confused us,” said Costello. “We had a couple of good chances, but their goalie made some good saves. We have to do a better job with our shot placements.”

Megan Slattery led the offense with two goals and two assists. Faith Newton was the team’s other multiple scorer with two goals.

Jenna DiNapoli, MacInnis and Rosenthal had the other three Hornet goals.

Borland made 14 stops in net.

“Emma was phenomenal that game,” stated Costello.

The next game for the Hornets will be on Thursday (June 3) as they visit Georgetown at 4:30 p.m. On June 8, the Hornets visit Lynnfield looking for the season sweep as they beat the Pioneers 13-8 back on May 10. That game will start at 7 p.m. as it is Lynnfield’s Senior Night.

North Reading will take advantage of the new MIAA rule this spring that any school who wants to participate in the state tournament can do so regardless of record.

Teams had until June 2 to opt in. The Hornets are in Division 2.