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From her fifth-row seat at the Worcester Centrum, Lauren Hughes watched her sister Samantha sink the biggest free throw in Andover basketball history.

Five years later, Lauren is still hearing about it.

LOWELL | This one didn't quite live up to the high standard Andover and Lowell have set over the past few seasons.

But the Red Raiders will take it. They pounded the Golden Warriors inside down the stretch, pulling out a 51-42 victory last night in front of a crowd of about 300 at the Riddick Field House.

Meghan Thomann's return from a knee injury sparked Andover's shooting in an impressive 64-43 victory over a solid Arlington Catholic squad. Thomann led the way with 20 points, which included four 3-pointers, while freshman Natalie Gomez (19) and Laura Renfro (17) had three and five 3-pointers. It was a career high for Gomez, who also had seven assists.

A trio of seniors more than made up for the absence of two key starters as Andover toppled Notre Dame of Hingham, 60-45. Lauren Hughes ruled the paint for the Golden Warriors (6-1) with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Jordy Shoemaker and Kelly Driscoll keyed a decisive second quarter, helping to hold Notre Dame to just four points.

Minutes after picking up her trophy, as people emptied out of the Klimas Memorial Field House, Brittni Wilson revealed the secret to her team's brilliant run.

"We don't want anyone confident going in playing against us," she said. "We want to make everyone worry a little bit."

METHUEN | Meghan Thomann knows it won't be this easy again. But hey, it was fun while it lasted.

The Bentley College-bound senior guard scored 24 points | including 18 in the second half | to lead Andover over Eastern Massachusetts No. 1 Lowell, 59-45, in the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament semifinals last night at Klimas Memorial Field House.

Andover may be hurting, but it didn't seem to matter.

With Bentley College-bound senior guard Meghan Thomann sidelined with a quad injury, the Golden Warriors still rolled past North Andover 69-54.

Like most good shooters, Meghan Thomann has no short-term memory on the basketball court.

"Usually kids who miss three or four shots in a row are hesitant to take the next shot," Andover coach Jim Tildsley said. "Meghan isn't."

2006-07 record: 18-5, lost in Division 1 North semifinals

Returning starters (4): Laura Renfro, 5-7, Sr., guard; Meghan Thomann, 5-8, Sr., guard; Camille Fantini, 5-8, Sr., forward; Lauren Hughes, 5-9, Sr., center