RallyNorth.net

MARLBORO — Assabet Valley scored on its first drive of the game and never trailed Friday night in a 26-12 victory over Greater Lawrence in the state Vocational Bowl Large  division playoff semifinals.

Whittier boys lacrosse, which went 0-14 last year, to an appearance in the state tournament this year. 

Whittier capped off its regular with a 5-1 victory over Asabet Valley and earned a tourney berth with its .500 record (10-10).

Mike Nicholas pressured the goalie, picked off an outlet pass the dropped it into the open net for a goal 5:14 into overtime to give Whittier a 6-5 victory over Asabet Valley. It was Nicholas' fourth goal of the day.

Joe Hewey was tested repetitively by the Assabet Valley offense but stayed strong, turning aside 25 shots in Whittier's 2-1 soccer victory.

Whittier first-year coach Tom Sipsey said his team is just two wins away from qualifying for the state tournament after a 55-42 victory over Assabet Valley. Whittier now has an 8-4 record. The last time it made the tourney was the 2004-05 season.

Jessica Goulet finished the night with a double-double as Whittier remained unbeaten, disposing of Assabet Valley 55-46 in overtime. Goulet finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Paced by Tito Pizzaro's 24 points, Whittier knocked off Assabet Valley 65-48. The Wildcats (6-2) will host first-place and undefeated Chelseas tomorrow (5 p.m.) at Whittier Tech.

Not since the first two games of the year has Newburyport put together a winning streak, however, after a stout defensive effort in the third quarter holding to Assabet to only four points the Clippers walked away with their second straight win.

Paulo Tavares drained 21 points in Whittier's 56-50 victory over Assabet Valley, but that wasn't the most impressive stat of his night. The senior co-captain also ripped down a stellar 24 rebounds according to coach John Campbell. Chris Sheridan knocked down three 3-pointers en route to an 18-point night to help keep the Wildcats' (6-9) postseason hopes alive.