THE HORNETS are hoping for a great turnout on their home court for their Dig Pink game to raise funds for breast cancer awareness on Oct. 16. 5:30 p.m. against Georgetown. (Eric Evans File Photo)

 

 

After press time:
North Reading falls to Newburyport 3-0 (Oct. 10)

 

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

WEST NEWBURY — On Monday evening, the North Reading High volleyball team traveled to West Newbury to take on Pentucket trying to get a sweep of the season series.

However, the Panthers were able to split the season series winning, 3-1.

With the loss, the Hornets record dipped to 5-7 overall and 3-7 in the Cape Ann League.

The Hornets won the first set, 25-22. However, the Panthers won the final three sets, 25-19, 25-21, and 25-12 as they improved to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in the CAL.

“They played better than we did,” admitted Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “They blocked well and played strong defense. We also had too many unforced errors.”

Sophomore setter, Willow Koepke, had a good night with 14 digs, 14 assists and five service aces as she led the team in all three categories.

“Willow played well,” said Milone.

Outside hitter, Ella Maier, led the team in kills with 10.

It was Pentucket’s Dig Pink night as both schools wore pink uniforms to support the fight against breast cancer.

On Oct. 2, the Hornets fell, 3-1, to host Essex Tech up in Danvers as the Hawks swept the season series.

Essex Tech won the first set, 25-19, but the Hornets won set two, 25-20.

The Hawks then won the next two sets, 25-17, and 25-18, to close out the match.

“They run a good offense and didn’t make many errors,” said Milone. “Overall, it was a very competitive match.”

Sydney Scholz led the way for the Hornets in this one as the sophomore middle hitter had 11 kills, three service aces and three blocks to lead the team in all of those categories.

Koepke had a team-high 19 assists while Julia Mulik and senior middle hitter, Sami Mutti, both had 11 digs each.

The Hornets visit Newburyport at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 10. The Clippers won the first meeting, 3-1, on Sept. 23.

On Oct. 14, North Reading visits rival Lynnfield at 5:15 p.m. looking for a season split as the Pioneers won the first match-up, 3-2, on Sept. 30.

The Hornets then host Georgetown on Oct. 16 at 5:15 p.m. In the season opener on Sept. 5, North Reading beat the Royals 3-1.

That match will be the Hornets Dig Pink Game as they will wear pink uniforms again. There will also be a bake sale and raffles taking place as Milone is hoping for a huge turnout.

The Hornets were seeded 45th as of Oct. 8 in the MIAA Division 3 power rankings. Only the top 32 teams automatically qualify for the state tournament.

Otherwise, the Hornets must finish at least .500 overall if they don’t finish in the top 32.