THE HORNET girls’ lacrosse team took the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard High on Saturday where they beat the Vineyarders 10-4. It was an especially memorable trip for senior captain Faith Newton who broke 100 points for her career with three goals and three assists in the win. (NRHS Girls’ Lacrosse Photo)

 

 

Updates post publication:

North Reading falls to Newburyport 17-2 (May 18

North Reading falls to Winthrop 12-10 (May 20)

North Reading defeats Marblehead 13-11 (May 22)

 

 

Published May 18, 2023

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — The North Reading High girls’ lacrosse team had its two-game winning streak snapped on Monday afternoon as they lost, 18-8, to visiting Pentucket

With the defeat, the Hornets record fell to 6-8 overall and 3-8 in the Cape Ann League.

The Panthers, who completed the season sweep over the Hornets this year, improved to 8-5 overall and 6-3 in the CAL.

“They are a very tough team,” said Hornets head coach Matt Costello. “I know that they entered the week ranked third in the MIAA (Division 3) rankings.”

The Panthers led this game, 10-2, at the half.

Brianne Slattery led the Hornet offense with three goals and one assist while Faith Newton scored twice. Single Hornet goals were scored by Jenna DiNapoli, Shea Tully and Mia Pittore. Ali Labb added one assist.

Hornet goalie, Kaitlyn Supple, made seven saves.

Last Saturday, the Hornets took the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard and returned with a 10-4 non-league victory to go to 3-0 in non-league games this spring.

“The girls had a blast,” said Costello, about the day trip. “It was an early morning but we played well.”

Costello graduated from Martha’s Vineyard High so he got to see some old, familiar faces in the crowd.

Newton led the way with three goals and three assists as the senior broke the 100-career point barrier. Pittore had three goals and two helpers while Slattery had two goals and two assists.

Tully and Alaina Driscoll each scored once while Lindsay Rosenthal had one assist.

Supple turned back nine shots on net.

On May 11, the Hornets won, 13-8, over host Triton in Byfield. North Reading ended up sweeping the Vikings this year.

“I think that that was the first time we have ever swept Triton,” said Costello, whose team never trailed. “The offense stepped up and our defense played clean.”

Newton led the way with seven points as the attacker had five goals and two assists.

Slattery, meanwhile, had four goals and one assist while Callie MacLellan had a career-high three goals.

Pittore had two assists to go with one goal. Makenzie Murphy added one assist.

Supple made five saves in net.

This Saturday morning at 11 a.m., the Hornets visit Winthrop. They then go to Marblehead on Monday with that game starting at 4:15 p.m.

North Reading then wraps up the regular season on May 23 as they host Wilmington at 5 p.m. That is the team’s Senior Day as the eight Hornet 12th-graders will be honored before the game.

Although they have a losing overall record, the Hornets are in great shape when it comes to the MIAA Division 3 power rankings and they enter the week ranked 13th. The top 32 schools, at the end of the regular season, automatically qualify for the state tournament.