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WEST NEWBURY — Thanks to its trademark grind-it-out running game, Pentucket was the aggressor for nearly 40 minutes.

But Masconomet had its home run hitter.

“Pentucket took it to us,” said Chieftains head coach Jim Pugh. “But a few big plays made by (Evan) Bunker and (Chris) Spliner were the difference in the game.”

Andover's girls soccer team qualified for the state tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Masconomet. Gabby Cappello scored with five minutes remaining for the Warriors (5-4-9) on an assist from Lauren Pien.

On Thursday, North Andover's Gareth Dudney was voted the Cape Ann League MVP and, yesterday, celebrated the honor by scoring two first half goals in North Andover's 4-0 win over Masconoment Regional.

With the score tied at 1-1, North Andover capped a Cape Ann League championship season with a classic goal.

Amanda Foote smartly crossed the ball which deflected off Sarah Warden's stick into the air. Enter Michelle Martin, who swatted the ball out of mid-air and drilled it for the game-winner with about 10 minutes to play.

Andover struck twice early in the second half to erase an early deficit and tie Masconomet 2-2. Michaela Van Antwerp and Natalie Gibson both scored for the Warriors, whose record goes to 4-5-6 on the season.

Georgetown's boys soccer team came close to an upset before settling for a 2-2 tie with undefeated Masconomet. Sophomore Matt Bitchell took captain Peter Nowak's long crossing pass early in the second half and found the mark to tie the game, 1-1. Bitchell then fed a free kick to Ryan Browner who headed the ball past the Chieftain netminder to put the Royals (2-4-1) on top. Masco (5-0-1) surged for a last-minute score and the deadlock.

Battling powerful Masconomet is always motivating, and after a tight loss last year, Pentucket had victory and revenge on its mind.

With Alana Poretta finishing a minute in front of the field, the Sachems won "a pretty big test" according to head coach Todd Ruland, beating the Chieftains, 24-32 as well as Wilmington, 15-45. Amy Babeu (20:48), Addie Desrosiers (20:55) and Carolyn Babeu (20:57) placed 3-4-5 to lock up the win.

Hosting its season opener, Pentucket succumbed to Masconomet, 15-50, and Wilmington, 22-33. The Sachems were paced by Jason Cox (18:59 over the 2.95-mile course) and Kam Doe (19:35).

Steph Taylor turned aside an impressive 19 shots but it wasn't enough as North Andover fell to Masconomet in overtime, 15-14. Katie Kleinendorst led the way offensively with a hat trick and three assists.

NORTH ANDOVER - Mike Weisman's emotions had nowhere to hide.

As the hit-free innings piled up in last night's Lawrence Invitational Tournament opener, the new Mark Devlin Field's scoreboard kept driving the point home.