RallyNorth.net

ANDOVER – Looking to remain relevant in the Commonwealth Conference Saturday morning against Greater Lowell, Greater Lawrence instead made things too easy in the opening half for the visiting Gryphons.

TYNGSBORO — Niko Burke rushed for 82 yards and scored twice but Whittier fell to Greater Lowell 23-14. The other Whitier points came on a Ethan Burridge safety (tackled QB in end zone). Whittier's passing game struggled (0 for 7 passing) but a bright point was the defense. Coach Kevin Bradley praised linebackers Nick Allen, Jeremias Colazo and Zach Ribeiro as well as free safety Nick Allen. Bradley said, "The kids played well. The defense was all over the place. We need a little more consistency on offense."

Playing its first home game on campus in 25 years,  the Northern Essex soccer team tied CCRI 1-1. Lawrence's Daller Ucles scored the first goal of the season for the Knights and Salem's Anthony Bellomo made 13 saves.

Whittier Tech tuned up for the State Vocational Softball Tournament this week with an impressive 7-1 victory over Greater Lowell.

Nicole Verrette had another tremendous day pitching, throwing a two-hitter while striking out 16 batters while Alicia Habib and freshman Jaclyn Bioren both hit home runs. Bioren has been on a tear recently for the Wildcats (17-3) and was 2 for 3 overall with three RBIs.

The Greater Lawrence volleyball team is in the driver's seat to claim the CAC Large title after a huge 3-1 win over rival Greater Lowell. That's in large part thanks to Adoni Jimenez, who "had a monster game," according to coach Rob Mahoney, with 16 kills, 7 blocks and 21 digs.

Whittier boys lacrosse picked up its first win of the season by defeating Greater Lowell, 9-6. Luke Iamele notched five goals, Jake Freitas picked up three of his own and Nickson To made eight saves in the cage to preserve the victory.

Whittier senior Matt Michel went the distance, allowing just five hits and zero runs while striking out 10 as the Wildcats topped Greater Lowell, 2-0. Michel also drove in a run, while senior Josh O'Brien drove in the other.

The Greater Lawrence boys volleyball program, now in its fourth year, was 0-6 lifetime against Greater Lowell until Friday night. But the Reggies got 11 kills from Rosendo Ortiz to earn the program's first win over Greater Lowell, 3-0, prompting coach Rob Mahoney to say, "We're on a winning streak!"

Kevin Schrow (16 points), Manny Arias (15 points) and Abdiel Torre (13 points) all scored in double figures to lead Whittier to a 65-49 win over Greater Lowell.