RallyNorth.net

Salem opened some eyes with a 59-45 victory over Central Catholic in the fifth-place game.

Senior guard Danielle Stoodley led all scorers with 16 points and junior guard Caitlin Peters (8 points) was immense on defense for the Blue Devils (5-1).

Minutes before Methuen secured the biggest upset of the young season, coach Karen McLaughlin reminded her team of what was at stake.

The Rangers, who were leading Central Catholic by two points with a minute to play, were acting too giddy, too early. "Pay attention to me instead of celebrating!" she yelled. In other words, stay calm. Slow down. Breathe.

Ashley Rivera admitted it: She came into last March's Division 1 North final too cocky.

"We played like it was going to be handed to us," the Lowell point guard said.

Central Catholic walked away from Tsongas Arena with a victory. Rivera walked away with a headache. "It was definitely painful," she said. "Everybody thought it was our year."

2006-07 record: 20-6, lost in Division 1 state final

Returning starters (3): Jackie Vienneau, 5-7, Sr., guard; Riley Dunn, 5-9, Sr., guard; Katie Zenevitch, 6-2, Soph., center

Returning lettermen: Monique Gosselin, 5-6, Sr., guard; Lauren Berg, 5-9, Jr., forward; Kelley Mikus, 5-8, Jr., forward; Gia O'Connor, 5-9, Jr., guard; Ashley Evangelista, 5-5, Jr., guard