RallyNorth.net

No date with destiny for North Reading

As far as second dates go, this was a bad one.

For the second straight year, Tyngsboro eliminated Cape Ann League champion North Reading in the Division 3 North title game.

Last year was a 2-0 squeaker. This one was a bludgeoning, a 16-2 decision that was over early in the 90-degree heat here at LeLacheur Park.

Austin prep dazzled by Hornets junior

At long last, North Reading got a breather.

The top-seeded Hornets shut out No. 12 Austin Prep, 4-0, in the semifinals of the Division 3 North sectionals at Fraser Field.

This came after a comeback first-round victory over Swampscott and a 10-9 thriller over Georgetown in the quarterfinals in which the Hornets scored three times with two outs in the bottom of the seventh.

Hornets stunned by Austin Prep

Repeating a championship season is a difficult task. No. 4 North Reading found that out the hard way as it fell to No. 21 Austin Prep, 5-0, in a Division 3 North quarterfinal matchup yesterday.

Hornets escape with miracle win

Frank Carey has coached 41 years and has won a staggering 640 games, but few were as improbable as this one.

The top-seeded Hornets rallied for a dramatic 10-9 victory over disheartened Georgetown yesterday in the Division 3 North quarterfinals.

Hornets battle back against Swampscott

NORTH READING | This one was not easy. Then again, it never seems to be when these two teams square off in the postseason.

After falling behind early and facing some rainy conditions, No. 1-seed North Reading fought back to defeat Swampscott, 8-5, in the first round of the Division 3 North sectional. This comes one year after the Hornets needed extra innings to edge out the Big Blue, 2-1, in the quarterfinals.

Royals clinch CAL Small with win over North Reading

Armed with the knowledge that a win would clinch at least a share of the CAL Division 2 title, and a win and a Triton loss would synch the title outright, Georgetown was unrelenting on senior day scoring its highest goal total of the season to put away North Reading, 20-9.

Knights rock Hornets ace in 7th to take CAL showdown

North Andover senior Gary Lunetta lent a scouting report on the Scarlet Knight lineup:

"Pitchers might get us the first time around, but usually the second time around we're going to hit him."

North Reading tops Ipswich

The Tigers (3-6) fell 84-61 to North Reading despite a number of strong performances. Among the winners were Leah Webb in the shot put (31-5), Olivia Ruta in the pole vault (7-0), Hannah O'Flynn in the discus (91-2), Tess Salabella in the javelin (91-2) and Molly Miller in the dash (16.7).

Hornets ace silences Newburyport bats with three-hit shutout

When a talented North Reading squad came to town yesterday, the Newburyport baseball team had its eyes set on a few goals: Boosting its record, extending its two-game winning streak, and handing a Hornets club its second loss of the season.

Indians bow to state champs

Over the years the Amesbury-North Reading softball rivalry has grown in lore with each program exuding rich championship pedigree.

A year ago, Amesbury got the best of the Hornets twice in 2-0 wins each time, but North Reading had the last laugh winning the Division 3 state championship, while the Indians were bounced in the second round of the tournament.

Danvers snaps skid

Jay Sabino notched three goals and two assists to help the Falcons (3-6) snap a four game losing streak with an 11-7 triumph over North Reading. Mike Perisella helped set the table with three assists and a goal while Eric Sands chipped in with a pair of goals as Danvers led wire-to-wire.

Triton back in tourney hunt

 Optimism and persistence are two key ingredients for winning that can be categorized in a number of different ways.

Not giving up, working hard, correcting faults, trust, and positive thinking will always overwhelm it's counterparts, and in sports, those factors not only raise team spirit and play, but turn around seasons and transform contenders into champions.

Hornets pounce on Sachem miscues

Any time North Reading High sends either Kevin O'Leary or Brian O'Neil to the hill, it won't need much help pulling out victories.

Yesterday, the Hornets got plenty, capitalizing on seven Pentucket Regional errors to drill the Sachems, 9-3.

Tigers fall to North Reading

The Tigers (2-2) were stymied by North Reading ace Brian O'Neil, who tossed six shutout innings to beat Ipswich 6-0. Greg Doucette nearly equaled him on Ipswich's hill but North Reading scratched across single runs in the thrid, fourth and fifth frames before plating three in the sixth to pull away. Jimmy Cadogan had two of Ipswich's four hits.

Triton girls continue quest for CAL title

With wins over previously undefeated Hamilton-Wenham (93-52) and a talented North Reading squad (80-65), the still-undefeated Triton girls track team (5-0) has now reached the halfway point to its season goal | a Cape Ann League championship.

North Reading runs over Newburyport

Kaitlyn Wallace won two individual events (shot put, 32-5; discus, 98-2) for Newburyport. Alli Hill-Wilton (high hurdles, 17.6) and Meghann Ronan (pole vault, 8-0) also placed first.

"We had a good effort versus a strong team with some of the more outstanding front-liners in the state," Foley said. "We competed hard and had some nice efforts, particularly in the throw events and from Taylor Burl, Hannah McCormick, Alli Hill-Wilton and Maura Welch."

Hat tricks lift H-W lacrosse team

Ryan Gendreau, Ryan Hanna and Steve Dangora each had hat tricks and an assist to lead the Generals, who improved to 1-1 with the Cape Ann League road win.. Jake Cotter contributed a pair of goals while Charlie Pilkanis, Ben Penta, Zach Cotter and Jay Allsopp each had one.

North Reading Baseball Preview

2007 record: 18-6, lost in Division 3 North final

Returning starters (5): Kevin Singer, Jr., 1B; Darren Hartwell, Jr., CF; Zach Hastings, Sr., RF; Brian O'Neil, Sr., P/LF; Kevin O'Leary, Sr., P

North Reading Girls Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 0-13, didn't make state tourney

Returning starters (8): Alessandra LeFort, Jr., attack; Christine O'Leary, Sr., attack; Sarah Paladino, Soph., defense; Ali Pepe, Jr., defense; Marie Pescatore, Sr., midfield; Becca Popp, Jr., attack; Sarah Schipelliti, Sr., attack; Kiara Zani, Soph., goalie

North Reading Softball Preview

2007 record: 21-5, Division 3 state champions

Returning starters (7): Caroline Gattuso, Sr., P; Mikaela Carney, Jr., C/DH; Ali Maltacea, Sr., 2B; Amanda Poplaski, Sr., CF; Jenn Shields, Soph, 3B; Alex Moise, Soph., 1B; Kristen Giddings, Jr., RF

North Reading Boys Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 12-9, lost Division 3 East first round

Returning starters (7): Kyle Sinclair, Jr., defense; Mike Brooks, Sr., defense; Josh Robinson, Sr., midfield;  Matt Clemens, Sr., midfield; Ryan Visconti, Sr., goalie; Peter DiPietro, Sr., attack; Derek Marenholz, Soph., attack

Bishop Fenwick boys basketball moves on to semifinals

NORTH READING | When Bishop Fenwick's boys basketball team sported a 6-8 record a few weeks ago, you had to be a big dreamer to think the Crusaders would be any kind of factor in the Division 3 North Tournament.

Gloucester rallies in final minute to oust North Reading

North Reading had to beat Lynnfield and tie Wilmington just to get into the state tournament.

The odds of that seemed slim and none, but the Hornets did it.

But beating third-seeded Gloucester in their Division 2 North first-round matchup would be even more improbable. Yet, it came down to one play.

Lentini, Hornets upset Rams

North Reading instituted its own version of March Madness a few days early, notching a tourney upset its own as the No. 12 Hornets toppled No. 5 Shawsheen, 59-53 in Division 3 North first round play.

Ipswich wraps up tourney berth

When the Ipswich boys basketball team got off to a 2-5 start this season, coach Doug Woodworth wasn't thinking about the postseason. But Woodworth and the Tigers can start preparing for the Division 4 North tournament now after reeling off eight wins in the last 11 games.

McCoy tallies 100th point in victory over North Reading

Derek McCoy became the 21st player in Newburyport High hockey program history to tally 100 points in his career last evening during his team's 5-2 victory over North Reading at Graf Rink.

McCoy's 100th point came on an assist to Gavin LaValley with 2:21 left in the second period, giving the Clippers a 4-2 lead.

McElroy hat trick lifts Newburyport

Lightning struck thrice last night at the Graf Rink.

Not only did the Newburyport Clippers (8-6-1) avenge an early-season loss to the North Reading Hornets (7-9-1), but senior forward Derek McCoy recorded his 100th career point, and sophomore Kyle McElroy notched a hat trick in the Clipper's 5-2 victory.

Co-op a boon for North Reading

Don't talk to head coach Craig Stone about breaking up the Lynnfield/North Reading wrestling co-op team anytime soon.

There are currently 34 wrestlers on the team, evenly divided between the two schools, after starting the season with 40. The team enjoyed a 16-7 regular season and finished third in the Cape Ann League meet. Stone remembers five years ago when Lynnfield was by itself.

North Andover rules CAL

The gap is closing just a bit, but North Andover continues to rule the Cape Ann League.

The Knights captured the CAL meet at Wilmington for the seventh straight time, and 10th time in the last 11 years by scoring 205 points. Masconomet was second (170) and Lynnfield/North Reading (138) came in third.

Masco beats North Reading with last second free throw

Masconomet not only qualified for the state tourney, it did it in the most dramatic fashion last night as Kevin Van Lenten finished off a length-of-the-court possession with a basket and free throw with 1.4 seconds left. North Reading led, 66-64, before James Riordan (13 points, 13 rebounds) rebounded a North Reading missed free throw and got it to Van Lenten, who was hammered while taking the last-ditch shot.

North Reading wallops Triton

Frederick Hein and Mark Moran scored two goals each for North Reading. Triton trailed 1-0 after one period and 5-0 after two.

"It was one of those nights," Triton coach Kevin Dodier said. "We have nine games left, and we're in position to make a run. We need to push through and regroup as a team."

Levy's late goal propels North Andover

Michael Levy took a pass from Jonathan O'Connor and scored on a breakaway with 3:47 left to give North Andover a 2-1 win over North Reading. Ryan Sifferlen added his 18th goal of the season, and Tyler Morandi made 25 saves for the Scarlet Knights. Fred Hein scored the Hornets' goal, and Garrett Topping made 23 saves.

McAuliffe beats the buzzer for North Reading

Tim McAuliffe's goal with less than a second to play helped North Reading to fend off Newburyport and allow the Hornets to remain in first place in the Cape Ann League with a 3-2 victory.

After Aaron Semaio's second goal put the Hornets (4-0-1 in the CAL, 4-3-1 overall) up 2-0 with 7:59 to play, the Clippers responded with a pair of scores, the last coming with 53 seconds remaining. A fortuitous bounce on Fred Hein's slapshot found McAuliffe, who went top shelf just before the final buzzer sounded for the game-winner.

Pentucket tournament: Reggies surge past Lancers for crown

It was a Braveheart evening yesterday at the Pentucket Tournament.

Despite resting five standout starters, Greater Lawrence charged into first place to win its second title in three years with 146 points, slipping past local rival and defending champion Lawrence (141<1/2>), which led heading into the final round.

North Reading comeback falls short

Matt Calos' goal in the third period pulled North Reading to within a goal but that is where the comeback ended for the Hornets in a 5-4 loss to Martha's Vineyard in the first round of the Gloucester Invitational. The Vineyarders scored three second-period goals that went unanswered until the third period.

Nothing can stop the Reggies

Greater Lawrence didn't have any choice so it showed its depth yesterday while capturing the Wakefield Tournament.

Despite missing four starters, including standouts Miguel Guzman and Victor Sosa, the Reggies powered their way to 191 points in the 16-team field, far ahead of runner-up Reading 150 1/2, which barely nipped Methuen 149.

North Reading wrestling preview

2006-07 record: 9-13, didn't make state tourney

Returning North Reading starters (5): Mike Doherty, Soph., 103; C.J. Venuto, Jr., 125; Ryan Visconti, Sr., 135; Chris Quinlan, Jr., 125; Jake Donaldson, Jr., 285

North Reading Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 13-8, lost in Division 3 North first round

Returning starters (2): Kevin Lentini, 6-4, Jr., forward; Kevin O'Leary, 6-2, Sr., forward

Returning lettermen: Nick Brown, 6-4, Sr., center; Mark Bokuniewicz, 5-10, Sr., guard; Dan Connors, 6-1, Sr., forward; Steve Stewart, 6-0, Sr., guard; Mike Tringale, 5-10, Sr., guard; John Finch, 6-1, Jr., forward

North Reading Boys Ice Hockey Preview

2006-07 record: 12-6-5, lost in Division 2 North quarterfinals

Returning lettermen: Fred Hein, Sr., wing; Tim McAuliffe, Sr., center; Aaron Semiao, Jr., wing; Mark Moran, Soph., center; Derek Marenholz, Soph., wing; Jeff Leonard, Sr., center; Bill Goddard, Jr., wing; Matt Calos, Jr., defense; Derek Bross, Sr., defense; Eric Puglia, Sr., defense; Tyler Pascucci, Jr., defense

North Reading Girls Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 13-9, lost in Division 3 North quarterfinals

Returning starters (1): Alison Friberg, 5-8, Jr., forward

Returning lettermen: Katie Goldstein, 5-4, Sr., guard; Cara Mucci, 5-2, Sr., guard; Jackie Harrow, 5-4, Jr., guard; Ashley Kern, 5-3, Jr., guard

Junior duo takes center stage for Hornets

NORTH READING | On a day that North Reading was honoring its seniors, it was a pair of juniors who stole the show.

Wideout Darren Hartwell and running back Dino Rizzo combined for 306 yards of total offense as North Reading rolled to its third straight Thanksgiving victory over Lynnfield, 30-12.

North Reading, Lynnfield should be an offensive show

With fewer than 30 candidates starting the season, attrition and injuries have been the bane of North Reading's existence.

The 5-5 Hornets, who opened the year with three straight wins, look to end it in similar style with a win over the rival 3-7 Pioneers.

North Reading Cheerleading Photo Gallery

Last Updated November 16, 2007

Thanksgiving Day Preview: Lynnfield at North Reading

Quarterback: Jimmy Campbell

Coach: Jeff Wall

Parking: There is a good amount of parking behind the field, next to the high school. But once that fills up, spectators will have to park by the baseball field and down the street.

Masterson, defense do the job for Hamilton-Wenham

When it became apparent that the Hamilton-Wenham football team would be able to capture the Cape Ann League Small championship this season, the Generals simply shifted their team goals: win four of their final five games.

Amesbury's big plays topple North Reading

AMESBURY | At the start, North Reading's battle with Amesbury was football's version of a home run derby, with each team going deep to score points.

But as the game went along, the Indians stayed disciplined behind an unstoppable offense. The Hornets, on the other hand, clicked on a few big conversions but saw other crucial attempts fail.

North Reading Marching Band Gallery

Last updated November 1, 2007

Rizzo, North Reading top Lawrence in OT

In a movie-length package, this was the good, the bad and the ugly of high school football.

Both North Reading and Lawrence made dazzling plays, but then had head-scratching turnovers. Even the referees got into the act with some questionable decisions. And, all the while, the game got increasingly chippy, leading to 127 total yards of penalties and six major infractions.

North Reading stung by Newburyport

NORTH READING | The hot start to the season for North Reading was a distant memory yesterday.

The Hornets' offense struggled against red-hot Newburyport, and a strong defensive effort could not prevent a 14-0 loss.

Pentucket tops North Reading in runaway

Of all the game plans North Reading head coach Jeff Wall mapped out, it's doubtful many included the Hornets having an early 14-point lead.

Faulty special teams play by Pentucket led to a quick 14-0 deficit. But as the Cape Ann League Large Sachems gradually pulled themselves together, the CAL Small Hornets came apart under a barrage of 42 consecutive points, eventually dropping a 49-21 decision in a matchup of 4-1 teams.

Geargetown beats North Reading in close game

In a tight contest, Nicoline Holland squeezed one by for Georgetown to defeat North Reading 1-0.

North Andover rolls

North Andover's Lauren Gaffny poured in four goals to lead North Andover to an 8-0 win over North Reading. Kathie Andrusin added three assists and Kristen Steigerwald and Candace Waldie chipped in scores for the Scarlet Knights, who remain unbeaten at 13-0.

Tigers no match for North Reading

Dino Rizzo ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter and North Reading kept Ipswich winless (0-5) in the Cape Ann League after recording a 35-6 road victory.

Ipswich trailed 35-0 when Nathanial Bocko scored on a 35-yard run.

Gibson's two goals lead Masco rout of North Reading

Kelly Gibson netted two goals courtesy of two Margoaux Guercia assists to lead the Chieftains over North Reading 3-0.

Janey Diamond added the third tally with an assist from Carrie Turner while Krista Wibra played well in the defensive end for Masco (8-2-1).

Rockport falls to North Reading

Tied 0-0 at halftime, North Reading scored two late second-half goals to put away the Vikings (4-4-1). Rockport goalies Colby Osier (6 saves) and Keady Segal (8 saves) split time in net while defenders Ross Brackett and Brendan Douglass played well.

North Andover halts North Reading win streak

NORTH ANDOVER | North Andover played like a spoiled kindergartener at recess refusing to give up his precious football.

The Scarlet Knights owned the pigskin against a game but overmatched North Reading squad, grinding out a convincing 13-0 victory for their second straight victory while ending the Hornets' three-game winning streak.

O'Leary stars for North Reading in scoreless draw

Kevin O'Leary made eight saves to record his second-straight clean sheet as North Reading played Wilmington to a scoreless tie. The draw brought the Hornets to 2-1-4 on the year.

North Reading earns first win

Hilary O'Brien's goal in the first half was enough for North Reading, which rode a 10-save performance from Kiara Zani to its first win of the year, 1-0 over Wilmington. The win lifted the Hornets to 1-9.

Hornets bid for unheard of start

Official statistics go back to 1984. And in those previous 23 seasons, it's never happened ... North Reading winning its first four games.

If the Hornets, now 3-0, plan on making it happen, the milestone won't come easily. Friday night, the Hornets travel to perennial Cape Ann League Division 1 behemoth North Andover.

North Reading rolls over Watertown

WATERTOWN | Three mistakes in the first 13 minutes was all it took for North Reading to get comfortable.

The Hornets took advantage of a man-to-man defensive lapse, poor defense on a punt return and a fumble deep in the Watertown zone to put up 21 points before the half, and rolled to a 28-0 victory over the Raiders.

Georgetown beats North Reading

Sarah Leblanc scored twice, Danielle Epstein had a goal and an assist, and Kelly Burke chipped in two assists as Georgetown dropped North Reading, 4-0. Kiara Zani came up big in defeat with 36 saves.

North Reading rolls over Lynnfield

North Reading scored three first half goals en route to a 3-1 win over rival Lynnfield. Jill Melanson scored a goal and had an assist and North Reading defenders Alex Moise, Amanda Poplaski and Claire Kuehnel played well in front of goalie Erin Brooks, who notched 10 saves.

North Reading draws with Lynnfield

North Reading tied rival Lynnfield 2-2 on two penalty-shot goals from Josh Rocco. Jeff Leonard did an excellent job marking Lynnfield striker Mike Kennedy, who will play at Northeastern next fall.

McManus, Vikings roll to victory

Rockport rolled to an easy victory, blanking North Reading 4-0. Allie McManus led the way with two goals. Courtney Lambert also had a strong offensive effort with a goal and an assist, while goalie Kayleigh Keating was hardly tested in goal, making two saves for the shutout.

North Reading deals Triton second straight shutout loss

BYFIELD | Until Triton's offense finds itself, there will be nights like last night.

Through three quarters, behind the immense efforts of linebackers Rob West (nine tackles) and Jeff Andrews (seven stops), the Vikings throttled North Reading. But despite two possessions that started in enemy territory, the closest Triton got to scoring was a 30-yard field goal attempt that failed, keeping the game scoreless.

Hamilton-Wenham beats North Reading

North Reading (0-4) suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Hamilton Wenham (2-1). Scoring for the Hornets was Jessie Lorton, assisted by Kaycee Jannino. Liz Holsing and Stephanie Marlin both played well defensively for the Hornets. Keeper Kiara Zani stopped nine shots.

McElvain leads Generals

Each team scored a first half goal as host Hamilton-Wenham and North Reading tied 1-1. The Generals (0-0-1) goal was scored by Jesse McElvain, who knocked in a corner kick from Joe Savasta. Hamilton-Wenham goalie Dan Congdon made four saves. Generals stopper Shawn Tucker and Pat Ford also played well on defense.

Ipswich beats North Reading

North Reading fell to Ipswich 4-2. Melissa Psallidas and Amanda Goddard each scored for the Hornets.

Hornets late TD shocks Austin

NORTH READING | The only completion of the game for North Reading quarterback James Campbell couldn't have come at a better time.

Campbell connected with Darren Hartwell on a 29-yard scoring strike with 11.6 remaining to lift the Hornets to a stunning 14-8 victory over local rival Austin Prep.

Thomas propels Manchester-Essex to victory

Manchester Essex defeated North Reading 4-0. Stephanie Lamattina scored three goals and Molly Thomas also notched a goal to lead the Hornets, who got three assists from Simone Bodmer-Turner. Anneliese Brosch also added an assist for Manchester in the season opener.

North Reading football preview

2006 record: 3-7

Returning starters (8): Nick Chalmers, Sr., OL/DL, 6-2, 320; Joe Burns, Sr. OL/LB, 6-0, 210; Mike Brooks, Sr., TE/DL, 5-11, 190; Brendan Lutz, Sr. FB/LB, 5-9, 185; Dino Rizzo, Jr., HB/LB, 5-11, 180; Josh Robinson, Sr., HB/DE, 5-9-180; Darren Hartwell, Jr., WR/CB, 6-4, 155; John Mitton, Sr., WR/CB, 5-8, 160

2006 record: 0-18-1, didn't make tournament

Returning starters (9): Kiara Zani, Soph., goalie; Melissa Psallidas, Soph., forward; Erin Lally, Soph., forward; Alicia Ward, Soph., defense; Tracey Dillon, Sr., forward; Amanda Goddard, Sr., forward; Liz Holsing, Sr., midfield; Stephanie Marlin, Sr., defense; Leslie Dager, Sr., defense

North Reading Boys Soccer Preview

2006 record: 13-2-3, lost in Division 3 North first round

Returning starters (4): Kevin O'Leary, Sr., goalie; Brian O'Neil, Sr., midfield; Josh Rocco, Sr., forward; Jeff Leonard, Sr., defense

North Reading Girls Soccer Preview

2006 record: 10-6-4, lost in Division 3 North quarterfinals

Returning starters (9): Alexis Cappozi, Sr., forward; Shannon Conway, Sr., midfield/defense; Ashley Kern, Jr., midfield; Claire Kuehnel, Sr., defense; Alex Moise, Soph., defense; Christine O'Leary, Sr., midfield; Lauren Pawlowski, Soph., forward; Marie Pescatore, Sr., midfield; Amanda Poplaski, Sr., defense

Lawrence flies to win with Carrasco heroics

LAWRENCE | His quarterback was sprawled on the bench. His secondary looked like a bad marching band, running into each other with each changing North Reading formation.

And his team was in an all-too-familiar position, letting another winnable football game slip right through its grasp. But somehow Mike Yameen's Lawrence Lancers turned that ugly page and opened what the coach feels could be a new chapter in the program.