RallyNorth.net

ANDOVER — After missing the tournament for the first time since 1993 a year ago, Andover wasted no time showing it was back on the map last night.

Asked to move to middle hitter due to injuries, sophomore Sarah Arvidson excelled to help lead the No. 2 Golden Warriors to a 25-7, 25-17, 25-17 drubbing of No. 7 Reading in the Division 1 North quarterfinals last night at the Dunn Gym. The Golden Warriors (19-2) earned a bye in the first round.

Kirsten Arvidson had a big night for the Andover, leading the Warriors in kills (17), blocks (6), and service points (19) as Andover downed Billerica 25-15, 25-13, 25-23. Sarah Arvidson had 10 kills and Annie Ye led the way with 33 assists.

After a 7-11 campaign last year, Andover's girls volleyball team qualified for state tournament competition (10-1 record) with its 3-0 defeat of Lawrence. Kirsten Arvidson (11 kills and 5 blocks) was strong at the net and Annie Ye (20 assists, 20 service points and 7 aces) was "all over the court," according to Golden Warrior head coach George Sullivan.

Andover topped unbeaten Billerica in a battle of two of the top teams in the Merrimack Valley. The Arvidson sisters - Sarah and Kristen combined for 21 kills and 37 service points in the win. Elise Brogan had eight kills and Annie Ye had 32 assists. Andover is now 5-1.

After rotating through 13 athletes in its last game, Andover used all 14 of its players in a three-set non-league win over Lexington. The Golden Warriors (3-1) were led by sisters Kirsten (12 kills, 6 blocks and 2 aces) and Sarah Arvidson (7 kills). Elise Brogan contributed 6 kills and 5 blocks to the victory.