RallyNorth.net

LAWRENCE — Bring on Melrose. Again.

With a complete team effort that showed the strength of its depth, the Central Catholic girls volleyball team (20-0) advanced back to the Division 2 North Finals with a win over North Andover (15-7). Central, the defending North Finals champion, jumped out early and never once trailed as it won in straight games 25-15, 25-8, 25-16.

In what was supposed to be a close battle, North Andover overwhelmed Bishop Fenwick 25-11, 25-5, 25-18 in the Division 2 North quarterfinals yesterday.

"We played very well today, as good as we've played all year," said North Andover coach Veronica Schaeffer.
The Knights (15-6) spread the fun in the romp as Lauren Small had nine kills, Angie Brunette added eight and Brianna Lee chipped in with five. Suzannae Morin had 12 straight service points while contributing 26 assists and Melena Murphy was huge with 11 digs.

North Andover will play the winner of tonight's Central Catholic-Bedford match Thursday at 7 p.m. at a site to be determined.

The North Andover girls volleyball team dropped to 14-6 after losing to Melrose 18-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-25. Lauren Small had 11 kills and seven blocks, and Suzanne Morin racked up 24 assists.

The North Reading girls volleyball team recorded win No. 13 on the season, besting CAL rival North Andover 25-19, 25-20, 25-21. Nicole Cecchini (26 service points, five aces), Kirsten Morrison (10 kills) and Alison Friberg (29 assists) led the Hornets.

Turnaround Knights The North Andover girls volleyball team, which was 9-11 last year, continued its turnaround season yesterday by qualifying for the tournament after a 3-1 victory over Lynnfield, improving its record to 10-2. Melena Murphy had 23 digs to key the defense while Emily Cox had seven kills and seven digs. Brooke Morganthaler chipped in with five kills and two blocks.

North Andover volleyball senior Kirsten Mitchell came off the bench to have a big afternoon, collecting 11 service points. She filled in valiantly for an injured teammate.

North Andover topped Wilmington, 25-15, 25-21, 24-26, 25-20. Lauren Small had 16 kills and three blocks while Melena Murphy had 15 digs. Kirsten Mitchell aced the last point of game to help the Knights improve to 3-0.

Suzanne Morin’s 16 assists helped North Andover to a 25-17, 25-18, 26-16 win over Lynnfield. Melena Murphy had 12 digs and Angie Brunette lead the way with 7 kills for the Scarlet Knights.

North Andover defeated Stoneham 25-10, 25-11, 25-21. Frannie McFall and Susanne Morin led the offense and Erin Burns had 13 service points with five aces.