RallyNorth.net

For the first time in eight years, North Andover has captured the CAL championship.

With last night's 1-0 win over Newburyport, the Knights dethroned traditional power, Masconomet, which has dominated the league for much of the past eight seasons. Gareth Dudney tallied the only goal of the game.

Under difficult weather conditions, defense made the difference in Methuen's first win of the season, 2-0 over Newburyport. Justin Bonneau, Fred Corey, Jesse Rodenhiser and Colin Trainor played exceptionally well and "kept everything in check," according to head coach Claude Beaudet. Reyny Martinez's goal eight minutes into second half play was the game-winner for the Rangers.

Pentucket's Jason Steele claimed second overall, shooting an even-par round of 35 at Bradford Country Club, leading the Sachems to second overall in a four-team meet with the Newburyport (first), Triton and Amesbury. Pentucket moved to 9-6, claiming a pair of victories to lock up a spot in the state tournament. Steele scored 36 points in the Cape Ann quote scoring system, while teammate Vito Martello was fifth at 32.

A goal six minutes into second-half action earned Newburyport a 1-0 victory and eliminated Pentucket from postseason consideration. Stellar first-half defense from Laura Kuchar combined with strong play from sophomore Charlotte Pope, Victoria Knight and Cassandra Koegel to keep the Sachems (4-11-1) competitive.

North Andover goalkeeper Meg Foster made a key stop on a penalty shot late in the second half to preserve a 0-0 tie with Newburyport.

Freshman Matt Farrell converted on his give-and-go pass from Zach Brickett with 2 1/2 minutes left to give Pentucket a 2-1 win over Newburyport, and give the Sachems the ALS Cup title in dramatic fashion.

WEST NEWBURY – A still astonished Paul Treado could describe his kick with just one word.

“I was relieved,” said the Pentucket kicker while taking in the moment. “Ecstatic, but very relieved.”

Don't look now, but North Andover's girls cross country team, which was supposed to be rebuilding, is 6-1 after yesterday's 15-46 rout of Newburyport. Alli Brillaud, who was the No. 5 runner last year, was first in 20:02 over three miles, Katrina Martyn and Olivia Marshall took the next two spots .

NEWBURYPORT — For the second week in a row, the Newburyport football team’s defense carried the squad to a victory at Memorial Stadium.

The Clippers (2-0) forced four second-half turnovers en route to a 17-13 victory over North Reading.

Haverhill's girls cross country team showed its back in good health as its top relay team repeated as champion at the Clipper Relays in Newburyport.

 After Beth Fullerton led off with a strong 2-mile leg, Julie Sominine took the Hillies to first place in her first competition since being injured in April and Christine McNaughton — also not at full strength in the spring — brought Haverhill to the finish line in 36:40.