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A four-run first inning opened the door for North Reading who held on to beat host Ipswich 6-5 to win the Cape Ann League title. Caitlin Reilly had three hits for the Hornets and Casey Chapman threw a complete game.

Timely hitting in the top of the sixth inning keyed North Reading to victory over Amesbury as the Hornets scored four times in the inning and never looked back.

Jackie Webber had a solid game at short stop for the Indians making eight assists and helping start two double plays. Jessica Marx had two hits as well for Amesbury.

With ace North Reading pitcher Casey Chapman out with a minor neck injury, sophomore Kirsten Morrison was summoned to the mound for the first time since middle school and delivered a three-hitter and allowed just one earned run in a 13-4 victory over Rockport. Mikaela Carney led the Hornets offense with two hits and three RBIs.

The Sachems (2-4) lost to the Hornets 6-1 yesterday. Julie Anne Meehan struck out eight North Reading batters, but also allowed six walks and five hits. Julie Anne Meehan also went 1 for 3 with Pentucket's lone RBI. Sarah Dickinson (1 for 3, double) and Sam Morrow (1 for 3) also played well for the Sachems.

The Sachems (2-4) lost to the Hornets 6-1 yesterday. Julie Anne Meehan struck out eight North Reading batters, but also allowed six walks and five hits. Julie Anne Meehan also went 1 for 3 with Pentucket's lone RBI. Sarah Dickinson (1 for 3, double) and Sam Morrow (1 for 3) also played well for the Sachems.

The Clippers (4-2) only had four hits to North Reading's nine, and recorded five strike outs to North Reading's six. The Clippers made five errors on the afternoon. Newburyport was highlighted by a three-run Lindsey Tomasz home run.

Led by a six-run fourth inning, North Reading downed Division 1 Reading for the third time in four meetins with 8-6. Jenn Shields sparked the big inning with a two-run double, and Brittni Coppola and Mary Batalis each drove in a run with a bunt single.

Marion Dullea pitched six innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks in Triton's opening-day loss.

Gail Lebrun was 2 for 4 with two runs scored. Kristina Spencer was 3 for 4 with three doubles and two RBIs. Dullea was 2 for 3 with two singles.

Amesbury senior Michelle Ring took the loss despite pitching a complete game. She allowed four earned runs on 10 hits and one walk. She struck out 10 batters.

Laura Kaminsky had two triples and a run scored for Amesbury. Jessica Marsh and Ring had RBI singles. Hannah Weber also scored a run.

North Reading's softball team apparently couldn't wait to start the season.

The Hornets scored 10 runs in the first inning and had 19 hits in a resounding 17-2 five-inning rout of Pentucket. Mikaela Carney had two doubles in the first inning and five RBIs in just three innings and Caitlin Reilly was 3 for 3 with three runs scored while Kristen Morrison (also 3 for 3) knocked in three runs.