Marblehead halts 13-game win streak

Published May 30, 2019

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — On May 24 in a non-league game, the NRHS softball team was edged 2-1 by host Marblehead. North Reading led 1-0 going into the bottom of the sixth inning but a double and a two-run homer by Charlotte Pelletier gave the Magicians the win.

That defeat snapped the Hornets 13-game winning streak.

“This is part of our play to get us ready for the state tournament playing tough teams like this,” explained Hornets assistant coach Paul Greene. “It was quite a game.”

North Reading scored its run in the top of the first as Cassandra Pascucci doubled to plate Elli DeCleene, who singled to reach base.

Shea Hansen was the tough-luck losing pitcher in this one falling to 9-2 in the circle. She went all six innings allowing two runs, five hits, one walk and she struck out one.

“Shea pitched well,” said Greene.

The Hornets (15-2) had five hits in that game.

THE NRHS softball seniors were honored before their win over Pentucket last week. Pictured with their coaches are the seniors, in the front row from left, Jessica Ferrazzani, Emma Valade, and Caroline Belinowiz. The seniors In the back row from left is Hailey Sanphy, Leah Ferrazzani, Natalie Dos Santos, Cassandra Pascucci, and team manager Kiley Martel. (John Friberg Photo)

Power past Pentucket

On May 22, the Hornets swept visiting Pentucket in a doubleheader. North Reading won the first game 19-0 and the second one 7-0 on Senior Day. With those wins, they improved to 14-1 in the Cape Ann League.

In game one, that was a five-inning mercy-rule game, the Hornets had a season-high 23 hits.

“All four of our senior captains homered,” pointed out Greene.

Jessica Ferrazzani and her twin sister Leah,both homered. Leah Ferrazzani finished at 2 for 3 with four runs batted in. Pascucci, who homered, went 3 for 4 with two RBI’s while Emma Valade, the other captain, also homered and was a perfect 4 for 4 with three RBI’s.

Pascucci was the winning pitcher going all five frames. She gave up only two hits, one walk and she fanned eight Sachem batters to go to 6-0.

In game two, Hanson was the winning pitcher going all seven innings. She struck out a season-high 14 hitters. She did not allow a walk and she only gave up one hit.

“She was dominating,” stated Greene. “She did a great job of pounding the strike zone.”

The Hornets had seven hits led by Abby Janasiewicz who went a perfect 2 for 2 with a walk. She also knocked in a pair of runs.

Hanson added a solo homer while Julia Howse had a two-run double.

On Thursday, the Hornets visit Reading. The next day, they host Tewksbury to wrap up the regular season.

Both games will start at 3:45 p.m.

North Reading will find out on June 4 their seeding in the Division 2 North state tournament.