RallyNorth.net

METHUEN — As the match stretched through overtime and a shootout before culminating in sudden death, it was evident neither girls hockey team was ready for this (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime season to end.

Tory Sweeney scored her first career goal on senior night to highlight Methuen/Tewksbury's 6-1 win over Central Catholic. The surging Red Rangers improved to 7-4.

METHUEN – Not surprisingly, the girls hockey season opened with uncertainty for one of the state’s top programs. Just two years removed from a state championship, Methuen/Tewksbury began its Covid-abbreviated season with a roster loaded down with unproven eighth graders and freshmen.

Andover's Lauren Adams scored first but Methuen-Tewksbury 8th grader Brooke Harb countered with two goals and Jessica Driscoll one in a 3-1 Red Ranger win.

Jessica Driscoll's fourth goal came with four minutes left and gave Methuen-Tewksbury the 5-4 win over HPNA. M.J. Petisce scored her first career goal for the Red Rangers.

Methuen/Tewksbury handed Andover its first loss of the season, 2-0, with eighth grader Brooke Harb scoring both goals in the second period and Michell Kusmaul making 29 saves.

Methuen/Tewksbury was fired up for the Ryan Driscoll Memorial Game, ripping Central Catholic 6-1. Jessica Driscoll had a hat trick and Kat Schille scored twice.

METHUEN – Forced to play an abbreviated hockey schedule, getting off to a hot start could supply all the momentum needed for a successful 12-match season.

And no team in the area has started off faster than the Andover girls, who have scored 14 goals in their first two games.