Published in the September 8, 2016 edition
SOPHOMORE BROOKE DEGRANDE practices with the varsity volleyball team in the high school gymnasium last week. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By STEPHEN MARTELLUCCI
NORTH READING — Last fall, the North Reading High volleyball just missed qualifying for the states as they went 8–10 overall. They finished in fourth place in the Cape Ann League, going 4–6.
Sixth-year head coach Mike Milone lost five seniors from that squad to graduation but he does return four veterans. Two of them are the senior captains, Nicole Shedd and Erika Beherrell. Shedd is an outside hitter while Beherrell is a middle hitter.
The two other veterans back for the Hornets are juniors. Abby D’Orlando is a setter while McKayla Murphy is an outside hitter.
North Reading opened camp back on Aug. 25.
“We had low numbers come out but the preseason has gone well,” said Milone, who teaches at E. Ethel Little Elementary School. “We had 25 players come out so the plan is to have 12 varsity players and 13 junior varsity players.”
The Hornets scrimmaged Medford and they played in a jamboree at Notre Dame of Tyngsboro taking on three teams. Along with playing the host school, they also faced Central Catholic and Methuen.
“We are an inexperienced team and we are going to take our lumps at times,” admitted Milone.
The Hornets will play one more regular-season game than last year, as they are slated to play 19 games. The CAL also added a seventh team this season with Ipswich.
The Hornets visited Masconomet on Sept. 7 in the season opener (results not available at press time). The home opener is Friday at 5:30 p.m. against rival Lynnfield. Next Monday, they visit Hamilton–Wenham and on Wednesday, they host Ipswich.
Both of those games will start at 4 p.m.
