SENIOR CAPTAIN Maggie Schulz and the NRHS girls’ soccer defense have yet to allow a goal in 2023, starting the season with five consecutive shutout victories. (Eric Evans File Photo)

 

 

Update post publication:
North Reading falls to Lynnfield 2-1 (Sept. 21)

 

Published September 21, 2023

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — The red-hot North Reading High girls’ soccer team stayed undefeated on Tuesday afternoon as they won at Manchester-Essex, 4-0.

With that win, the Hornets improved to 5-0 overall and in the Cape Ann League as they have not allowed a goal all season.

Kierstin Higgins scored the first goal 7:50 in assisted by Reilly Tassinari. Ten minutes later, that duo combined for the second goal as North Reading went to the half up 2-0.

At the 8:35 mark of the second half, Allie Lanciani made it 3-0.

In the 53rd minute, Lanciani stuck again, this time assisted by Higgins.

Hornet goalie Maggie Schulz made eight saves to go to 5-0 posting her fifth-straight shutout.

“Maggie anchored the team with a couple of big saves in the first 10 minutes to keep the game scoreless,” said Hornets head coach Sean Killeen, about the senior.

Killen was also pleased with the play of junior defenseman Marisa Montana.

On Sept. 14, the Hornets rolled over guest Ipswich by a final score of 5-0.

This game was close at the half as the Hornets only led 1-0 at the break.

However, North Reading was on fire coming out in the second half as they erupted for four goals in the first 11:40 to turn the game into a rout.

Lanciani had the first-half goal 19:23 in assisted by Montana.

“That was a beautiful goal,” stated Killen.

Higgins then took over in the second half netting three goals in 10 minutes. Her first goal came 41:45 in with Tassinari assisting.

Off a corner kick by Higgins, Julia Scammon found the back of the Tigers to make it 3-0 just 3:05 later.

Higgins then made it 4-0 at the 49:40 mark assisted by Lanciani.

Higgins then notched her hat trick off a corner kick by Isabelle Lazure at the 51:40 mark.

Schulz made two stops in net.

The next game for the Hornets is on Sept. 21 as they visit rival Lynnfield at 4:30 p.m.

On Sept. 26, they host Newburyport at 4:45 p.m.