RallyNorth.net

The No. 1 seeded Haverhill boys volleyball team prevailed 3-2 over MVC foe and No. 12 seed Andover in the semifinals of the  Division 1 North volleyball tournament.

No. 12 Andover boys volleyball posted a 3-0 upset victory over No. 4 St. John's Prep in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 North volleyball tournament.

Joe Kuykendall posted 11 kills, Connor Sullivan had eight blocks and Colin Rivet dug 11 balls.

After missing the playoffs last year, Andover boys volleyball qualified for the tournament this spring with a 3-1 victory over Lowell. 

Joseph Kuykendall recorded 22 kills for Andover (10-6).

Central Catholic pulled out a five-set thriller over Andover 22-25, 30-28, 28-26, 15-28, 15-13. "It was a doozy, it was a heckuva game, let me tell you," said Andover coach Dave Kuykendall, whose son, Joe, had a big day with 25 kills, 6 blocks and 21 digs. But Central's Jimmy Zenevitch (19 kills) and Matt Doiran (13 service points) were too much.

Will Gold took charge for Andover, going a perfect 23 for 23 serving with two aces and 16 assists in a shutout volleyball win over Dracut. "Will's serving was spectacular and he demonstrated some strong leadership skills," said head coach Dave Kuykendall.

Zack Branchaud recorded team-highs in service points (17) and assists (31) as Methuen scored its second straight huge victory, a 25-19, 26-24, 20-25, 25-16 win over Andover. The Golden Warriors swept the Rangers in their season-opener.

With senior Connor Sullivan (10 kills and seven blocks) leading the way, Andover's volleyball team rolled past Billerica in three straight games. "This was the best game Connor has played," coach Dave Kuykendall said. "He really stepped up and was actually demanding ball from the setters. Connor took a leadership role (last night)."

Eduardo Machado tallied 18 service points, including eight aces, to lead Andover past Winchester 25-12, 25-19, 25-5.

Andover fought to the end but suffered a tough fourth game loss before falling to Chelmsford, 15-9, in the decisive final game. Freshman defensive specialist Alek Dean is "playing beyond his years," according to head coach Dave Kuykendall. "I'm very proud of way he's played ... he's been nice and steady." Dean had 6 digs against the Lions and was 13 of 17 passing and 11 of 12 serving.

Possibly looking forward to a big matchup with Chelmsford tonight, Andover got Lowell Catholic's best as the second-year program battled the Warriors hard before falling in three games. D.J. Begos was a perfect 17 for 17 in serving with 8 blocks and 9 digs for Andover.