By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI

NORTH READING — On Monday afternoon, the North Reading High softball team lost, 6-1, to visiting Newburyport.That defeat snapped a four-game winning streak as the Hornets fell to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the Cape Ann League.

The Clippers, meanwhile, improved to 7-1 overall and 3-1 in the CAL.

North Reading’s offense was kept in check by Clipper star pitcher Emily Meleedy as they had only four hits.

“She has a very effective rise ball,” said Hornets head coach Nicole Zimmerman.

The Clipper offense showed off their power with two home runs as they had a three-run homer in the first inning and a two-run shot in the second. The other Clipper run came in the top of the sixth inning.

North Reading’s lone run came in the bottom of the fourth as Jocelyn Ostrowsky had an RBI single that plated Kristen Galvin, who tripled.

Keely Hannon pitched all seven innings for NR. She gave up six runs (five earned), six hits, no walks and she struck out eight.

“They have a very good team,” said Zimmerman. “I think they are overlooked in our league.”

On April 25, the Hornets won at rival Lynnfield 11-3.

Hannon went all seven frames in this game as she gave up one earned run, six hits, two walks and she fanned 12.

“She pitched a great game,” stated Zimmerman.

Leading 4-3, the Hornets broke the game open in the sixth inning with five runs. They then scored twice in the top of the seventh.

“We dug deep late in the game,” said Zimmerman.

The Hornets had 18 hits led by Jill Corbett who was a perfect 4 for 4 with a walk and two runs batted in. Olivia Reilly also had a big day going 3 for 5 with four RBI including a two-run homer.

Alivia Heck was 2 for 4 while Galvin and Emily Cassarino were both 2 for 5. Galvin had a two-run homer while Cassarino scored twice and stole a pair of bases.

On April 24, the Hornets steamrolled host Manchester-Essex 25-0, in a five-inning mercy-rule game.

“They have been a rebuilding mode the past few years,” pointed out Zimmerman.

Emilia Yeakel was the winning pitcher making her starting debut this spring. She went all five innings giving up two hits, three walks and he struck out eight.

On offense, North Reading had a season-high 22 hits. Corbett led the way going 4 for 5 with two RBI while Galvin was 2 for 5 with a team-high five RBI.

Ella Yeakel, Emilia’s younger sister, was 2 for 5 with two RBI.

The Hornets’ next game is May 3 as they travel to Danvers to take on Essex Tech at 4:15 p.m. On May 6, they visit Triton up in Byfield. On May 3, they play a huge CAL game at Amesbury. Both of those games will also start at 4:15 p.m.