RallyNorth.net

What a difference an ace pitcher can make. Lowell was without superstar Gina LaCedra Monday in the Division 1 North softball first round and North Andover took advantage, romping to a 10-0 victory. Josilin Gove had a memorable game, hurling a five-hits shut out and going 4 for 4 at the plate with two RBIs. Julianna Roche was 3 for 4 with three RBIs for the Knights (9-8).

Stephanie Tardugno got two hits in the first inning late Tuesday night (because of rain, the game started at 8:45 p.m.) to give her 100 for her career in just three years as Methuen blasted Lowell 15-2. Lowell was playing without ace Giana LaCedra. Methuen will open the Division 1 North sectional at home Friday at 7 p.m. against Chelmsford.

In the first of two games against Lowell, Methuen could not catch up with Lowell ace Gina Lacedra. In a 2-0 victory, Lacedra threw a no-hitter and struck out 20 of 22 batters she faced. Methuen's only baserunner came on a passed ball following a strikeout.

Haverhill's Sicily DiDomenico struck out 9 and allowed just two runs but Lowell ace Giana LaCedra was even better, allowing just one hit, as the Hillies fell, 2-0.

Andover freshman pitcher Jackie Giordano stayed with Lowell ace Giana LaCedra, the reigning Mass. Player of the Year, through seven innings, but Lowell punched across a run in the eighth for a 1-0 victory. Giordano threw a 3-hitter and struck out 11 while LaCedra gave up just one hit and struck out "at least 15" according to Andover coach Rick Quattrocchi.