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With Andover's season coming down to the final set of the day, Golden Warriors coach Jen Deschenes looked to to a pair of seniors to lead the way.

"It came down to the third set, it had gotten very windy and the pressure was intense," said Deschenes. "But they were able to stay positive and held it together. Mental toughness is so important, and it was huge."

Kelsey Hodas and Julia Alagero held it together in the heat in a marathon three-setter, preserving the 5-0 shutout for Merrimack Valley Conference champion Andover in the regular season finale with Methuen.

The first doubles team of Kelsey Chapman and Reid Campbell "stepped up to the plate" according to head coach Jen Griffin, playing with patience that produced quality shots in a 6-0, 6-0 win as part of Andover's shutout victory over Billerica.

As hard as Central Catholic has tried, Andover just won't be dislodged at the top of the Merrimack Valley Conference standings.

Both of the Raiders' losses suffered last season came against the Golden Warriors and the trend continued yesterday in a tense 3-2 decision.