SYDNEY SCHOLZ led the Hornets in kills in each of their last two matches against Lynnfield and Newburyport. (Eric Evans File Photo)

 

 

After press time:
North Reading defeats Georgetown 3-1 (Oct. 16)

 

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

LYNNFIELD — On Columbus Day evening, the North Reading High volleyball team lost at rival Lynnfield 3-1. With that defeat, the Hornets were swept by the Pioneers as Lynnfield won the first meeting, 3-2, back on Sept. 30.

Overall, the Hornets record dropped to 5-9 and 3-9 in the Cape Ann League.

This was a tight match throughout. The Hornets lost the opening set, 31-29, and the second one, 25-20. They then won set three, 25-23, before losing 28-26 in the fourth set.

“We played consistently well,” said Hornets head coach Mike Milone, despite the defeat. “It was back-and-fourth but they out lasted us for most of the long points.”

Sydney Scholz led the Hornets in kills and Julia Mulik had a strong match with her serving and defense, according to Milone.

On Oct. 10, the Hornets lost, 3-0, at Newburyport.

The Clippers, who completed the season sweep over the Hornets this fall, won the three sets, 25-19, 25-23 and 25-8.

“It was not our most solid match,” admitted Milone. “I think that the wind was taken out of our sails after losing that close second set and a lot of balls they sent dropped in as it was not our best defensive game.”

Scholz, a sophomore middle hitter, had a team-high nine kills, three service aces and she tied Sami Mutti in blocks with two.

Mutti, a senior middle hitter, had nine digs while sophomore setter, Willow Koepke, led the team in assists with 13.

On Oct. 21, the Hornets host Hamilton-Wenham. They then visit Triton up in Byfield on Oct. 23 to wrap up the regular season.

The Hamilton-Wenham match is the Hornets’ Senior Night as the match will start at 6 p.m. Before the match, the Hornets 12th-graders will be honored.

The Hornets were seeded 45th as of Tuesday’s MIAA Division 3 power rankings. Only the top 32 teams automatically qualify for the state tournament at the end of the regular season as the Hornets must win their remaining matches and hope for teams above them to lose.