RallyNorth.net

Andover knew it had a tough task taking on an experienced, playoff-hardened Acton-Boxboro squad in the Division 1 North semifinals. Two short minutes into the game, that task got much tougher.

Sophomore Alexa Sikalis settled the Colonials' first penalty corner pass at the top of the circle for Hayley O'Brien, with the senior drilling the ball into the open lower left corner of the net just 2:20 into the contest. At that point, everything changed for the second-seeded Golden Warriors.

Nina Yu scored two goals for the first time on the season, leading Andover to a 3-2 victory over Needham in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 North tourney.

Sarah Oteri added a goal and an assist while Nicole Gagnon and Leah Cairns each had an assist. Catherine Gross and Abby Cook stood out on defense for the Golden Warriors, who face Acton-Boxboro at North Andover tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinals.

Andover racked up 28 corners and was never challenged in whitewashing Peabody, 3-0. Sarah Oteri, Brittany Isenhart and Nicole Gagnon tallied goals for the 16-0-3 Golden Warriors, who will play Needham Sunday in the Division 1 North quarterfinals.

teri took a nice pass from Brittany Isenhart and put home the game-winner with 51 seconds to play in Andover's 4-3 win at Gloucester. Nina Yu added a goal for the Golden Warriors (14-0-3).

It wasn't ideal, but Andover was going to enjoy the achievement.

"I think it's great," said Sarah Oteri. "We're both great teams and it's an honor to win with them. It's a heck of a lot better than losing."

Catherine Gross scored her six goal of the season five minutes into the second half to give Andover a 1-0 victory over Methuen. Brittany Isenhart added the assist, Nicole Gagnon and Kathleen Cheney stood out on defense and Tameka Geaslen made two outstanding saves for the Golden Warriors. For the Rangers, Irene Cassidy had 16 saves.

Trailing at the half, Andover (6-0-2) rallied in the second half to tie with top-ranked Chelmsford, 1-1. With 25 minutes remaining in the second half, Sarah Oteri sent a pass from the left in front where Catherine Gross hammered it home. Tameka Geaslen only saw three shots in the game, making two saves.

Catherine Gross scored twice and Brittany Isenhart had a pair of assists as Andover topped Haverhill, 4-0. Sarah Oteri and Heather Sullivan added the other goals for Andover (5-0, 4-0 MVC). Haverhill goalie Briana Guerin was busy, making 25 saves.

Andover blanked Lowell 3-0 as Sarah Oteri, Catherine Gross and Brittany Isenhart each scored for the Golden Warriors.

2006 record: 10-4-6, lost in Division 1 North first round

Returning starters (6): Nicole Gagnon, Sr., back; Christina Saccone, Sr., sweeper; Kristina Yu, Sr., forward; Leah Cairns, Jr., midfielder; Catherine Gross, Jr., midfield; Tameka Geaslen, Jr.; goalie