RallyNorth.net

METHUEN – It was a give-and-take relationship between Isaac Allen and his teammates during crunch time in the second half of the packed Larry Klimas Fieldhouse in Methuen last night.

HAVERHILL — A new quarterback, continued strong running and clutch defense made the difference for Whittier Tech Friday.

And so did the crowd at the Wildcats' first-ever home night game.

With the North quarterfinal boys tennis match with unbeaten Medford (7-0) tied at 2-2, it came down to freshman Luke Ramos at second singles. He was up to the challenge and North Andover beat the top-seeded Mustangs to advance. He pulled out the 6-3, 0-6, 6-4 win. Knights coach Paul Bergesen said, "There were 40 kids watching and he was down 4-2. Luke was in better condition and he just didn't miss. It was long rallies. He's a fighter." And you can file under "twins win" as Max and Asher Chamuel had a big win at No. 2 doubles. Ben  Polonsky rolled at No. 1 singles.

After losing a 5-0 lead, Haverhill scored a run in the sixth to upset No. 1 seed Medford in the Division 1 North to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in at least 14 years. Elijah Moses pitched two perfect innings of relief for the win and also had two hits, an RBI and scored a run. Zach Guertin scored three runs and Ryan Brown scored twice, including the eventual winner.

North Andover waxed unbeaten No. 2 seed Medford, 15-0, in the Division 1 North quarterfinals. Steven Ferullo had six goals and Ryan Clunie dominated on faceoffs. Matt Roy and John Drew shined in net.

Grace Efosa erupted for 27 points and Staci Krafton added 20 points as Whittier rolled over Medford 69-50. Natalie Cintron added nine rebounds for the winners.

Freshman Brooke Tardugno had a pair of goals and Bella Keaney added a goal and an assist as Methuen beat up Medford, 4-0, in girls soccer.

Freshman Hayley Rapaglia kept Central Catholic softball's season going in style, tossing a no-hitter as the No. 22-seed Raiders knocked off third-seeded Medford, 9-0. Rapaglia struck out seven and chipped in a 2 for 3 performance at the plate, driving in a run as well. The Raiders started hot with a five-run first inning, thanks in large part to a three-run homer by Kaitlyn Sawyer, and added to their advantage throughout. They'll take on No. 2-seed Acton Boxboro in the Division 1 North semifinals on Wednesday (7:30 p.m.) at Martin Field in Lowell.

The North Andover boys tennis team made quick work of Medford in the Division 2 North first round, winning 5-0. Matt Whidden picked up a 6-0, 6-0 win at third singles, and Matt Feng and Luke DePolito had a 6-0, 6-0 win at second doubles for the No. 8-seed Knights, who will host No. 16 Wakefield Thursday at 3:30 p.m. The Warriors upset top-seeded Somerville, 3-2.

By beating Medford, 16-4, the Methuen girls lacrosse team can clinch a spot at the state tournament with a win in one of its remaining two games. Hannah Rinehart notched a hat trick to help put the Rangers on the brink of the playoffs.