RallyNorth.net

Clemson-bound hurler ousts Lawrence

A week before the draw was even official, Brendan Neilon knew the deck was stacked against his Lancers.

Yesterday in the Division 1 North baseball prelims, Scott Weismann, fresh off being named Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year, turned reality into a nightmare, pitching and hitting No. 15 Acton-Boxboro past No. 18 Lawrence, 8-3.

Farrell, Andover top Lawrence in 8 innings

Ken Maglio had no qualms about bringing his ace John Farrell back on three days rest. The junior right-hander added toughness and grit to his already loaded pitching repertoire, gutting out a 10-6, eight-inning decision over Lawrence High in last night's second Lawrence Invitational Tournament semifinal.

Andover, Methuen smash way to title game

No one should expect a pitching duel in today's 7 p.m. championship game of the Methuen Invitational.

The way red-hot Andover and Methuen hit the ball in their semifinal victories at the Burnham Road complex yesterday, in fact, there could be a slugfest.

Calzettta, Lancers gut it out over Methuen

A stiff wind blowing straight out, a potent lineup in the other dugout, and his usual pin-point control a no-show.

It didn't look promising.

All Lawrence High sophomore Michael Calzetta could do was buckle up, hold on and hope his teammates had their hacking shoes on.

Sosa has Lancers on fast track

The sports writer spotted the longtime Los Angeles Dodgers scout at the backstop.

"What could you possibly be doing at a Lawrence-Whittier Tech baseball game?" the reporter asked.

Sandoval hits for cycle in Lawrence rout

Lawrence defeated Greater Lawrence 29-0 in five innings. Freshman Julian Vasquez picked up his first varsity win, going three innings, giving up three hits and striking out five. Jose Sandoval went 5 for 5, including hitting for the cycle. He scored five runs and drove in five.

High-flying Matos overcomes serious eye injury to dominate for Lancers

As an intern at Andover's Putnam Investments, Jeffrey Matos gave a presentation on risk and reward. The Lawrence High senior is well versed in the subject, and not just in the financial sense.

Last winter, a detached retina robbed him of peripheral vision in his left eye. Sports became perilous. Even volleyball, a noncontact sport, posed a risk. But the reward was too great to give it up.

Lopez finds success inside herself

Who's that girl lighting up the game tape? Was that Karina Lopez?

"Everybody," Lawrence girls basketball coach Dan Blouin said, "thought it was somebody else."

But there she was, running the floor, grabbing rebounds, pressuring the ball on defense. Blouin eventually pressed the stop button on the VCR and peered at her.

Martin, Central make amends

METHUEN | This one was special for Central Catholic's Lindsay Martin.

The senior from Methuen enjoys defeating her hometown team anyway but, in wake of last year, last night's 2-1 victory at Burnham Road Field was doubly pleasing.

Ottaviani Haverhill Invitational Meet

Lawrence's KB Oshodi has been one of Central Catholic's best and brightest track stars. And he has the Raider football program to thank for it.

"In my freshman year, the football coaches wanted to get us to do track," Oshodi explained. "They said it would be good to try and do a lot of different stuff. In the triple jump, in my first year, I was doing better than the varsity guys. I did well and I just continued to improve."

Haverhill outlasts Lawrence

They've overcome shortstop Bobby Shirling's tender shoulder, a sun-blinded high pop that landed squarely in the mouth of second baseman Steve Lesiczka and more early-season errors than coach Chip Dunn would ever care to rehash.

Surprising Lawrence wins second straight

The regular season seems to have done wonders for the Lawrence softball team.

The Lancers were inconsistent in the preseason, but they looked impressive yesterday in a 12-2 victory over Pentucket for their second straight win.

Lawrence Softball Preview

2007 record: 5-15, didn't make state tourney

Returning starters (1): Lucy Francisco, Jr., SS

Returning lettermen: Michelle Costello, Jr., OF;  Kristine Loosowski, Sr., P/OF; Minerva Rivera, Jr., OF;  Ramona Moore, Sr., OF

Lawrence Baseball Preview

2007 record: 4-16, did not make state tourney

Returning starters (5): Jose Diaz, Sr., C; Jose Paulino, Sr., INF/P; Ruddy Espinal, Sr., P; Jovany Fernandez, Jr., OF; Mike Calzetta, Soph., P/INF

Coaches' Corner: Lawrence Track's Anthony Ellis

Anthony Ellis ran track as schoolboy at Methuen High.

Ten years after graduating, he's passing his expertise along to a new generation.

The first-year indoor track coach helped produce some impressive results at Lawrence High this winter, the most recent of which was Ruben Sosa's fourth-place finish in the 55-meter dash at last Friday's New England Championships.

Lawrence survives trying season

Lawrence High's season began with some harsh realities.

Unexpected roster turnover, the biggest star in program history facing a strange predicament, and the usual tough league schedule combined to create a tumultuous first month.

Division 1 North Sectionals

The seeds had Andrik Cruz primed for a third straight sectional final disappointment.

Cruz would have none of that. The Methuen High senior, wrestling at 145 pounds, made his third North championship try a winning one, heading up an area contingent of two champs and 15 places moving on to the Division 1 North championships in Bridgewater next weekend.

Clippers snap two-game skid with win over Lawrence

It took 3 1/2 quarters for the Newburyport girls basketball team to impose its will on visiting Lawrence last evening. But the final four minutes proved to be the most important in the Clippers' 55-43 victory.

Unsung Rivera sparks unbeaten Reggies

Bring on the postseason!

That's the battle cry for the Greater Lawrence wrestling team because, like the New England Patriots, the postseason is the only thing keeping it from perfection for the second straight season.

Methuen Invitational

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.

Shannon, Andover overpower Lawrence

LAWRENCE | Tristian Shannon's nose must be made of iron.

With 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, he got whacked in the face, but still made a driving layup to extend an already sizable Andover lead.

Unbeaten Central pounds Lawrence

LAWRENCE | Too easy.

Even without leading scorer Billy Marsden (sprained ankle), Central Catholic's boys, the No. 1 ranked team in the region, made it look too easy offensively, shredding Lawrence High's scrambling defense in an 81-55 thrashing last night before a packed house of about 1,200 at Memorial Gymnasium.

Lancers prevail for title; Holt shines

It was a great day for Lancers at the Haverhill Invitational yesterday.

And it was a particularly good day for the Lawrence Lancers, who captured their second straight Haverhill Invitational title, rolling up 199<1/2> points to edge the runner-up Londonderry Lancers (174<1/2>) for top honors.

Marsden, Central, power past Lawrence

As Central Catholic players leaped into a pile after capturing the school's 10th Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament title last night, they were undoubtedly already feeling the effects of the physical beating that Lawrence gave them.

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.

Nieves heats up again, Lawrence knocks off Methuen

Methuen High made plenty of headway in slowing down Lawrence's beefy big men, Mariano Fortunato and Jorge Escoto.

But the Rangers, gritty as can be, had no such solution when it came to Lancer point guard Justin Nieves.

Astros steamroll Lancers

Pinkerton coach John Barry managed a smile while opening a package of Christmas cookies.

"I don't have much to tell you," he said.

His Astros had no trouble with Lawrence, cruising to a 59-20 victory. The tenacious club stifled the Lancers and scored at will by continuously cutting to the hoop for layups.

Lawrence speeds past gutsy Astros

It's early in the season, but Lawrence has shown it's a team that on the right night can beat most anybody and on the wrong night is vulnerable against anybody.

Pinkerton had the Lancers on the ropes in yesterday's Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney opener. Trailing 37-24 at the half, Lawrence coach Paul Neal knew if his club didn't change something, it was in big trouble.

Back to the MVC in 2009 for Lawrence football

The Merrimack Valley Conference athletic directors have granted Lawrence High one more year to polish up its football program.

In 2009, the Lancers will return to the Merrimack Valley Conference in football, hopefully, according to coach Mike Yameen, as part of a new, two-division conference. "That's the way it was explained," said Yameen, whose club went 3-8 this past fall. "We'll be part of the two-division setup, playing in the small division."

Turnovers kill Lawrence in opener

At least Lawrence High coach Paul Neal was honest with himself and his team.

"I think we had more turnovers than shot attempts," said Neal, whose youthful Lancers led much of the way but ultimately fell to East Boston, 66-62, last night.

Lawrence wrestling preview

2006-07 record: 15-8-1, lost in Division 1 North semifinals

Returning starters (8): Elvis Garcia, Sr., 135; Julio Valentin, Sr., 130; Jon Sano, Sr., 160; Aaron Blanco, Jr., 145; Anthony Almanzar, Jr., 140; Melvin Rivera, Jr., 112/119; Pedro Rodriguez, Jr., 135; Hugo Dominguez, Soph., 112

Lawrence Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 15-6, lost in Division 1 North first round

Returning starters: None

Returning lettermen: Justin Nieves, 5-7, Jr., guard, Mariano Fortunato, 6-3, Sr., forward; Jeffrey Matos, 6-2, Sr., forward; Ruby Lara, 6-3, Sr., forward; Jorge Escoto, 6-4, Jr., forward; Jason Pimentel, 5-11, Soph., guard; Jose Barrera, 5-10, Soph., guard; Junior Veras, 6-0, Sr., forward Newcomers: Kurt Barnes, 5-7, Jr., guard; Shyem Simms, 6-0, Sr., forward; Demetri Brown, 6-2, Jr., forward; Alex Diaz, 5-7, Frosh., guard; Kadeem Perez, 5-5, Frosh., guard; Jesse Hiraldo, 6-0, Frosh., forward

Lawrence Girls Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 10-11, lost in Division 1 North first round

Returning starters (3): Stephany Colon, 5-9, Sr., guard/forward; Karina Lopez, 5-10, Jr., forward; Lucy Francisco, 5-7, Jr., guard

Lancers knock off unbeaten Reggies

ANDOVER | Funny thing about these Thanksgiving games ... the first quarter is just as important as the last.

Favored Lawrence High learned that lesson a year ago.

Yesterday, it was 10-0 Greater Lawrence Tech's turn.

Lawrence defense must stop Adames

The players love it, the coaches want it, and the community is growing to enjoy it.

Still, the future of Lawrence High-Greater Lawrence Tech remains a mystery.

"I'm not sure what will happen, we're hearing different things," said Tony Sarkis, whose 10-0 Reggies host the Lancers at Gleason Field tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Day Preview: Lawrence at Greater Lawrence

Date: Thursday, Nov. 22

Time: 10 a.m.

Coaches: Mike Yameen, Lawrence; Tony Sarkis, Greater Lawrence

Quarterbacks: Ramon Heredia, Lawrence; Jonathan Delossantos, Greater Lawrence

Iovanella racks up 320 yards in North Andover win

NORTH ANDOVER | Sophomore Zac Iovanella rushed for a career-best 321 yards and North Andover needed just about every single inch in a 35-27 win over upset-minded Lawrence.

The Scarlet Knights can nail down a Cape Ann League Large co-championship with a Turkey Day win at Masconomet, but they won't be returning to the postseason for the second time in three years. Wilmington locked out the Knights by beating Pentucket last night, 20-13.

Heredia, Lawrence down Triton for second win

LAWRENCE | Triton contained Lawrence for the first 22 minutes of the game, but after that, it all fell apart.

Ramon Heredia threw for a touchdown and was 6 of 10 for 95 yards in the Lancers' impressive second half, leading Lawrence to its second win of the season, 22-7. Meanwhile, the hard-hitting Lancers held the Vikings to one yard on eight carries in the final 22 minutes en route to their first win since Week 1.

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.

Haverhill sneaks by Lawrence

Haverhill won its final regular season game 1-0 over Lawrence. Captain Emily Maranto scored the game winner on an assist from Danielle Honig. Armela Muca, Colleen Whalen and Meg Hefferan played well for Haverhill. Ramona Moore and Dilenia Matta played well on defense for the Lancers.

Lawrence blanks Whittier

Lawrence beat Whittier 3-0 with a pair of goals from Francesco Cuesta and another from Edwin Gutierrez. The Lancers defense was led by Kelvyn Rangel, and Eric Abarca, Oscar Mora and Nelson Nicolsond played well for Lawrence. Whittier keeper Andy Lesiczka stopped 13 in the loss.

Masconomet stays unbeaten, rolls past Lawrence

Lawrence High, stumbling at 1-5 and rife with disciplinary benchings, was the ultimate wounded puppy.

Unbeaten Masconomet pushed the Lancers into a corner and refused to relent, laying a rain-soaked 34-7 beating on the host club last night.

Lawrence Cheerleading Photo Gallery

Last Updated October 13, 2007

Newburyport whips Lawrence

Trailing 7-0 to Newburyport, Lawrence faced one of those points that determine a season.

The Lancers had nearly turned Newburyport away | which would have been a giant moral victory | but faced one more down, fourth-and-goal from the 12.

Lawrence edges Whittier

Francesco Cuesta scored twice and Lucy Francisco added another goal as Lawrence clipped Whittier, 3-2. Edwin Gutierrez had two assists for the Lancers (2-10-2) and Nick Lopez made eight saves in the win.

High five for Bunnell; Sachems squash Lawrence

A quick defensive lapse, followed by a third-and-three hook-and-ladder pass gone berserk had Lawrence trailing 13-0 and on the back pedal. Pentucket pounder Nate Bunnell took care of the rest, rolling up 225 yards and five touchdowns on just 20 carries to power the Sachems past the sinking Lancers, 41-12. "Once we got the lead, that was big," said Bunnell, who now has 16 TDs on the year. "After that, I guess I was seeing things pretty well. There was a lot of room to run out there, and I hit the right holes at the right times." Pentucket stuck to its basic plan, running out of the wing-T set with Bunnell battering the Lancers, who simply wore out.

Lawrence plays even with Warriors

Lawrence High coach Don Sheldon couldn't hold back the excitement of last night's break-through match.

"It's our best performance in two years," said Sheldon after the Lancers slugged it out to a 1-1 draw with Andover. "Everyone stepped it up in an extremely exciting game," said the coach.

Lawrence hands one to Lynnfield

LYNNFIELD | Twice, the Lawrence High football team held the ball and a two-score lead in positive territory, in position to put previously winless Lynnfield away and climb to the .500 mark.

Twice, the Lancers self-destructed. The second series of blows | a pair of clock-conserving incomplete passes, two blown defensive coverages and a blocked punt | proved fatal for the now 1-3 Lancers, who coughed up a 24-15 lead with only 7:30 left and fell, 30-24.

Gutierrez strong in Lawrence loss

Edwin Gutierrez made 19 saves as Dracut downed Lawrence 3-0. The loss dropped the Lancers to 1-8.

Lawrence falls to Lowell

Lowell shutout Lawerence, 6-0. Lancers (0-7) goalie Melanie Batista made nine saves.

Methuen steamrolls Lawrence

Nine players recorded points as Methuen downed Lawrence 7-0. Stephanie Chaisson scored twice while goalie Irene Cassidy | playing the field in the second half | also had a goal for the Rangers (5-1-1).

Lawrence falls to Greater Lowell

Kelvyn Rangel scored Lawrence's lone goal in a 2-1 loss to Greater Lowell. Edwin Gutierrez and Eric Abarca split time in net, making nine saves each.

Lawrence deals Amesbury opening-night loss

LAWRENCE | Six Lawrence High penalties, a pair of turnovers and one badly missed pass coverage, and all Amesbury High had to show for it was a 7-0 halftime lead.

The improving Lancers cleaned up their act in the second half, and made Amesbury pay, souring the Indians' season opener by a 16-7 tally.

Smith twins, Central drill cross-city rival Lawrence

LAWRENCE | Both the Central Catholic and Lawrence High football teams showed their inexperience, mixed with some opening night jitters.

Central adjusted and eliminated its miscues, at least the giant ones. Lawrence simply had theirs multiply exponentially.

Nova, Lancers looking to lift spirits

The Lawrence High football schedule, as it now stands, offers salvation, and Luis Nova gives thanks.

The Lancers, so low after Thanksgiving's crushing two-point loss against Greater Lawrence Tech, have a shot at instant redemption, tomorrow night (7 p.m.) in the season-opener with Central Catholic at Veterans Memorial Stadium. At least for now, life again is good.

Lawrence Field Hockey Preview

2006 record: 0-15-1, didn't qualify for state tournament

Returning starters (4): Phacy Sem, Sr., link; Elora Acosta, Sr., forward; Ramona Moore, Sr., defense; Mayra Hernandez, Sr., forward

Lawrence football preview

2006 record: 2-8

Returning starters (6): Alex Mendoza, Sr., DB, 5-6, 150; Luis Nova, Sr., WR/DB, 5-7, 160; Alex Andrews, Jr., WR, 6-3, 190; Demitri Brown, Jr., WR, 6-1, 190; Pedro Cruz, Jr., OL/DL, 5-10, 235; Ramon Heredia, Jr., RB/QB, 5-7, 160

Lawrence Boys Soccer Preview

2006 record: 5-11-2, did not make state tourney

Returning starters (5): Kelvyn Rangel, Sr., midfield; Lucy Franciso, Jr., midfield; Ricot Mombayard, Sr., forward; Eric Abarca, Sr., goalkeeper; Francesco Cuesta, Soph., midfield

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.

All is Wells for Triton

BYFIELD -- Lawrence went to the well three times too many last night.

Well, more precisely, the Lancers threw at Triton defensive back Jared Wells three times too many and paid the price as the Vikings rolled to a commanding 29-13 win in chilly Byfield.

Lawrence mistakes fuel Sachems win

WEST NEWBURY | Staring at the Cape Ann League large school gauntlet over the second half of the season and still stinging from last week's nauseating loss to rival Newburyport, the Pentucket Regional football team needed a positive afternoon entertaining Lawrence.

Lawrence takes step back...Lancers no match for Amesbury

AMESBURY | After playing an inspired game against cross town rival and Merrimack Valley League power Central Catholic last week, Lawrence coach Mike Yameen was more than a little disappointed with his team's effort in last night's 26-6 loss to Amesbury.