RallyNorth.net

LAWRENCE — The third time was the charm for St. John’s Prep.

Despite getting blanked by Andover twice in the regular season, the Eagles got the last laugh, ending the Golden Warriors’ season last night 25-20, 21-25, 19-25, 25-22, 16-14 in the Division 1 North Final.

Matt Washburn tallied a team-high 15 kills, nine blocks and six aces as No. 2 Andover cruised to a 25-15, 25-17, 25-15 win over No. 7 Methuen in the quarterfinals of the North volleyball tournament. Mike Emmons added a team-best 31 assists, Tommy Busta had 12 digs and Gary Hinds tallied 10 kills for the Golden Warriors, who will host Lawrence on Saturday at either 5 or 7 p.m., depending on the results of the baseball team.

Tyler Santacroce had 12 service points, nine kills and eight digs (all team highs) as Lawrence cruised past Andover, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16 in the Lancer seniors' final home contest. Fellow seniors Ylvin Hiraldo (27 assists, three aces) and Ramon Heredia (nine kills) were key, as well.

Matt Washburn racked up 14 kills, 11 blocks and seven aces as Andover topped St. John's 25-22, 25-21, 25-22. In the final game alone, a frame that saw the Warriors trail by as many as four points (20-16), Washburn ran off six points in a row at one point and also made five solo blocks. Said coach George Sullivan, "His jump serves really broke their backs. He was just tough as nails to defend."

Andover beat Methuen in three straight games, 25-14, 25-21, 25-23. The Warriors improved to 9-1 while sending the Rangers to 3-4. Matt Washburn had a big day with 20 kills, nine service points (four aces) and seven blocks.

Andover beat Methuen in three straight games, 25-14, 25-21, 25-23. The Warriors improved to 9-1 while sending the Rangers to 3-4. Matt Washburn had a big day with 20 kills, nine service points (four aces) and seven blocks.

Andover's unbeaten volleyball team continued to roll, defeating defending champion St. John's Prep for the first time in four years, 25-21, 25-22 and 26-24.

Matt Washburn led the way with 12 points and eight blocks and served eight straight points in the final game as the Warriors (7-0) rallied from a 21-14 deficit. Andover hosts unbeaten Lawrence tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Andover (6-0) rode the all-around play of Gary Hinds and a standout effort from libero Tommy Busta to dump Central, 3-0.

Andover (6-0) rode the all-around play of Gary Hinds and a standout effort from libero Tommy Busta to dump Central, 3-0.

Andrew Osborne racked up 11 kills and Mike Emmons dished out 29 assists as Andover rolled to a 25-20, 25-16, 25-8 victory over Methuen. Gary Hinds also chipped in eight service points and two kills to help the Golden Warriors improve to 5-0.