Published in the September 17, 2015 edition
I’VE GOT IT. Senior Tristan Hoffman passes the ball while teammates Ciera Mastascusa (13) and Nicole Shedd (22) look on. (John Friberg Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last season, the North Reading High volleyball team fell to Tewksbury, 3-1, in the first round of the Div. 2 North state tournament to end the year at 10–9. The Hornets lost five seniors from that team to graduation but sixth year head coach Mike Milone does return five players back this season.
Two of them are the senior co–captains Tristan Hoffman and Ciera Mastascusa. The other three players back are seniors, Jess Lezon, Leah Diamantides and Julia Crugnale.
“We had a good pre–season,” said Milone, who is a fourth-grade teacher at the E.E. Little Elementary School. “We are inexperienced at some of the positions on the court.”
In game two of the season on Sept. 10, the Hornets lost at Lynnfield, 3-0, to fall to 0-2 overall. The Pioneers won the first game, 25-12, game two, 25-13, and the third game 25-15.
“They are a strong team and they don’t make mistakes,” said Milone, whose team was 4–4 (third place) in the Cape Ann League last fall. “Lynnfield and Masconomet are the two top teams in our league this season.”
Mastascusa led the Hornet in digs with 11 and service points with six. Lezon led the locals in kills (nine) and blocks (three). Diamantides led North reading in assists with eight.
In the season opener on Sept. 9, the Hornets lost, 3-0, at home to Masconomet.
“The girls played better in that game than in the Lynnfield game,” recalled Milone.
The Chieftains won the first game, 25-14, the second one, 25-23, and the final one, 25-18.
Mastascusa led the Hornets in kills (12), service points (nine) and digs (three).
The next game for the Hornets will be on Sept. 21 as Triton Regional comes to town. That match will start at 5:30 pm.
