RallyNorth.net

NORTH ANDOVER — Winning with flair isn’t a requirement at this stage of the season when advancing is the only concern on a team or coach’s mind.

Which is a good thing for the North Andover girls.

Trailing by nine at halftime, Kelly Sicard's stellar defense got Lawrence even with Tewksbury and Ashley Greer's all-around play earned the Lancers a 53-51 victory. Sicard had 10 steals to go with her six points and Greer (24 points) had a clutch steal and both Lawrence baskets in OT.

Molly Hoops had eight blocks and seven rebounds to go along with her four-point effort, but Haverhill came out on the short end of a 34-22 decision to Tewksbury. Hannah Gusselli led the Hillies (9-4) with eight points.

Haverhill had to overcome an eight-point deficit in the final 2 1/2 minutes to snatch one away from Tewksbury.  Kayla Pellot scored nine of he game-high 15 points in those final 2 1/2 minutes and scored the game-leading basket with 26 seconds let in the game. Natalie Campusao had eight rebounds.

Sophomore Casey McLaughlin had a game-high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Central Catholic to a 71-29 opening day win over Tewksbury. McLaughlin also had a pair of steals and three blocks.  Freshman Caitlin Dell'Orfano inaugurated her high school career with a 12-point effort.