Spring Was Strong Season for Hornet Teams

With spring sports season officially in the books for North Reading High School teams, it's time to take a look back.

It was a strong campaign for the school, with five teams making appearances in their respective brackets. Here's what the season was like for the Hornets.

Baseball

The defending state champion Hornets appeared poised for a repeat, losing just twice in the regular season and earning the No. 1 seed in North Division 3.

After a bye and a 6-1 win over Swampscott, North Reading was stunned in the quarterfinal round by upstart Newburyport. The visiting No. 8 seed took advantage of Hornet mistakes and snagged a 4-0 win.

Softball

On a diamond of another kind, North Reading also had a strong season come to a close earlier than anticipated.

North Reading was the No. 4 seed in the tournament thanks to a 16-5 regular season. But nearby Reading came to town and left with a 5-2 victory in the opening round, ending the season for the Lady Hornets.

Boys Lacrosse

The North Reading boys lacrosse team also had a successful year end in the playoffs. The locals snagged the No. 7 ranking and a preliminary round bye before romping Sacred Heart, 16-1.

Then in the second round, things were much closer, as the Hornets were edged Hanover, 10-9, ending the team's season with a record of 15-7.

Tennis

Both North Reading tennis teams qualified for the playoffs, and each advanced as well.

The Girls were the No. 6 ranked squad in North Division 3, and rolled past St. Joseph Prep, 5-0, in the opening round match. But the Lady Hornets were eliminated with a 5-0 setback to Lynnfield in the quarterfinal round.

Finally, the boys tennis team also snagged the bracket's No. 6 seed. Thanks to a first round 4-1 win over Lowell Catholic, the Hornets advanced to the quarterfinal round where they were knocked off, 4-1, by eventual champion Weston.