Published June 10, 2021
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — The red-hot North Reading High softball team won its eighth-straight game on June 4 as they blanked guest Rockport 10-0. It was the team’s second-straight shutout and third of the season.
Pitcher Shea Hanson improved to 10-1 in the circle as she posted her second shutout in a row. The senior co-captain gave up only one hit, no walks and she fanned 12 Viking batters as she pitched all seven innings.
“She has been unbelievable the last couple of games,” stated Hornets assistant manager Paul Greene. “She is very accurate and doesn’t walk anybody.”
The Hornets scored five runs in the first inning to take command early. They then scored three in the third, and single runs in the fifth and sixth innings.
Caitlin Reilly led the attack as the freshman went 3-for-4 with one run batted in. Kristen Galvin, another ninth-grader, went 2-for-3 with one RBI.
Audrey Vittozzi was 2-for-3 with one RBI while senior co-captain Kaeleigh Arington was 2-for-4 with one RBI.
“We had a very balanced attack with four multiple hitters,” pointed out Greene.
The day before the Rockport win, the Hornets shut out host Lynnfield 12-0 to complete the season sweep over the Pioneers.
Hanson went all seven frames again allowing only one hit. She struck out nine and did not walk anybody.
The scoring was spread out as they scored one in the first and two in the second. They broke the game open with one in the third and four in the top of the fifth. They scored another run in the sixth and three more in the seventh.
Arrington led the way going 3 for 4 at the dish with one RBI and two runs scored. Alyssa Cassarino was 2-for-4 with two RBI while senior Sarah Gerber was 1-for-2 with a walk and two RBI including a sacrifice fly.
Galvin was 2-for-5 with one RBI as the Hornets had three multiple hitters.
North Reading wrapped up the regular season on June 9 as they hosted Newburyport (results not available at press time). They are going to try to get a scrimmage game as the Division 2 state tournament will not begin until late next week.
