RallyNorth.net

BRIDGEWATER — Andover coach George Sullivan’s worst fears were realized last night against South power Barnstable  in the Division 1 state volleyball semifinals at Bridgewater-Raynham.

North Andover placed fifth in the Girls All State Gymnastics meet. The Scarlet Knights were led by Michelle Hall, who finished eighth overall with a 35.975 and Meghan Buttress rounded out the top-10 with a 35.425

The Eagles got the better of Branstable, 20-5, on the strength of seven goals and three assists from John Jennings. Junior Ryan Harding, typically a staunch defender, notched two goals on offense as the prep (7-1) sprinted to a 13-2 lead and never looked back.

Methuen senior John Sughrue didn't get the match he would have preferred, but he had plenty of consolation yesterday at the Methuen Invitational.

Because he moved up a weight class to 130 pounds this year, there was no showdown with Salem star Trevor Dearden, but both Sughrue and Dearden came away big winners.

HYANNIS | After Saturday's game against Barnstable, the Gloucester football players gathered at mid-field and chanted, "Second half team."

The Fishermen proved that they were indeed a second half team, bouncing back from a sloppy first half to defeat the Red Raiders 28-20 at Barnstable High School.