RallyNorth.net

DERRY — Pinkerton did what very few New Hampshire volleyball teams have done since the sport was sanctioned eight years ago: Make Salem sweat.

While the second-seeded Astros did force the Blue Devils into a fifth game for the first time in Division 1 championship history and the only time this season, Salem once again prevailed for the program's eighth straight state title.

Eric Denning recorded 10 kills and 17 service points while Jon Buatti had 18 service points, including five aces, as top-seeded Salem volleyball won 3-0 over eighth-seeded Hollis-Brookline in the Division 1 quarterfinals.

Utilizing every player at its disposal, Salem cruised to a convincing 3-0 volleyball victory over Mascenic. Eric Denning paced a balanced Blue Devil effort with seven kills and three blocks.

Londonderry jumped out to a four-point lead in the late stages of the first game, but Salem turned on the power from then on, running away for a 3-0 victory over the Lancers. Brandon Ackroyd (13 kills) and Jon Buatti (10 kills) were the front-line forces for the winning Blue Devils.

Eric Denning had 10 kills, 4 blocks and 4 aces to power unbeaten Salem (4-0) to a 3-0 win at Keene.