After press time:
North Reading defeats Pentucket 14-10 (May 13)
North Reading defeats Amesbury 6-2 (May 10)
Published May 9, 2024
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
DANVERS — Last Friday afternoon, the North Reading High softball team hammered Essex Tech, 19-2, up in Danvers in a five-inning mercy-rule game. With that win, the Hornets improved to 8-2 overall and 6-2 in the Cape Ann League.
They also completed the season sweep over the CAL newcomer Hawks as NR won the first meeting 3-2 back on April 8.
The Hornets scored five runs in the first inning, three in the second, four in the third, five in the fourth and the final two in the top of the fifth.
The offense pounded out 19 hits.
“Everyone contributed at the plate,” stated Hornets head coach Nicole Zimmerman. “The hitting was phenomenal and they were hitting the ball with authority.”
Olivia Reilly led the way going 4-for-5 with three singles, a homer and a walk.
Caitlin Reilly and Emily Cassarino were both 2-for-3 with a homer, a single and a walk.
Jocelyn Ostrowsky went a perfect 3-for-3 with two singles and a double.
The Hornets hit a season-high four homers as Caitlin Reilly led off the game with a home run.
Keely Hannon pitched all five innings giving up one earned run, three hits, two walks and she struck out four. She improved to 7-2 in the circle.
“Keely pitched great,” said Zimmerman.
The next two games for the Hornets will both be at home. On May 13, they host Pentucket and on May 15 they take on Lynnfield. Both games will start at 4:15 p.m.
North Reading is trying to split the season series with Pentucket as they lost to the Panthers 3-2 on April 13.
Against the rival Pioneers, the Hornets are looking for the season sweep as they won the first meeting 11-3 on April 25.
North Reading entered this week ranked eighth in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. The top 32 teams automatically qualify for the state tournament at the end of the regular season.
