THE HORNET volleyball team gets ready to take on Hamilton-Wenham at home in the season opener. The Generals won it 3-1 but NR continues to improve as they prepare for the rest of their season. (NRHS Athletics Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — On Monday evening, the North Reading High volleyball team lost, 3-0, at Ipswich. With that defeat, the Hornets record fell to 0-2 overall and in the Cape Ann League.
“We played better than the scores would indicate,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone. “They have a really strong team with three six footers and their offense is outstanding.”
The Tigers (2-0), won the three sets, 25-9, 25-19, and 25-11.
“We gave them a good run in that second set,” pointed out Milone.
Senior captain, Abby Gerber, led the team in assists with five, service aces with eight and she tied Izzy Milone for the team high in digs with six.
Junior middle hitter, Kaitlin Murnane, led the Hornets in kills with four.
In the season opener, North Reading fell, 3-1, at home to Hamilton-Wenham. The Generals won the first two games 25-20. The Hornets won game three, 25-21, but the guests won the fourth set 25-19.
“We were competitive against them the entire match,” said Milone. “Our problem was we had too many unforced errors.”
Gerber led the team in kills and aces with seven each in both categories. Madison Hopfer had a team-high 12 assists while Milone led the team in digs with 13.
On Sept. 16, the Hornets play a non-league match at Swampscott at 5:30 p.m. They return to CAL play on Sept. 20 as they visit Georgetown.
That match will start at 5:15 p.m.
