Published in the September 20, 2018 edition

By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — This year’s roster for the North Reading High volleyball team bears little resemblance to last year’s squad. Last fall, the Hornets reached the Division 2 state tournament and they fell, 3-0, at Arlington Catholic in the first round.

Nine seniors from that team graduated as only two veteran players returned when training camp opened in August.

“I saw that we had good athletic ability,” said Hornets ninth-year head coach Mike Milone, about the preseason. “However, I was concerned about the team’s volleyball IQ with so much inexperience.”

The two playing captains this year are seniors Molly Feffer and Brooke DeGrande. DeGrande missed all of last year with a knee injury.

CAPTAIN Brooke DeGrande sets up the Hornets during their season-opening win over Newburyport on Sept. 5. (John Friberg Photo)

Team manager Kiley Martel was also named a captain because of her contributions to the team.

Junior Shayla Wilk is the other returning veteran.

“This is going to be a rebuilding year for us,” said Milone, due to lack of experience.

On Monday afternoon, the Hornets record fell to 1-3 overall and in the Cape Ann League as they lost at Triton, 3-0. The Vikings won game one 25-22, game two 25-13 and game three 25-16.

Wilk had five kills while DeGrande had 11 assists and eight service points.

On Sept. 12, the Hornets lost 3-0 at home to Georgetown. The Royals won game one 25-23, game two 27-25, and game three 25-17.

Feffer had a team-high 13 digs while Wilk had five kills again. Sophomore Anna Bryk added four blocks.

On Sept. 7, North Reading lost at Lynnfield, 3-0. The Pioneers won, 25-10, 25-13, and 25-8.

The Hornets won their season opener 3-2 on Sept. 5 over guest Newburyport on the team’s first day of school. They lost the first game 25-23, but won game two 25-13. North Reading then won 25-19 in game three but the Clippers won 25-21 in the fourth game.

The Hornets then won 15-12 in the rubber game.

On Sept. 24, the Hornets will visit Burlington in a non-league match. They then return to CAL action on Sept. 26 as they go to Hamilton-Wenham.

Both matches will start at 5:30 p.m.