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.

An athletic Londonderry squad played "the best we've have all year," according to head coach David Starin, surging to a first-game victory. But Pinkerton made a savvy lineup adjustment and gradually took control, turning the tide for a 3-1 victory and a berth in the Division 1 volleyball semifinals. Justin Scott (16 kills) was strong in victory for the Astros, and Luke D'Urso (8 service points with 2 aces) performed well despite playing with a broken foot suffered three games before.

Captain Joe Coye was his usual effective player at the net, but the gritty return to the court of Mike Maguire tipped the inspirational scale in Timberlane's favor in a 3-2 victory over Pinkerton. Maguire suffered an injury in the first game but came back in the second, providing strong serving and big energy to push the Owls into the decisive fifth game. From there, Coye (20 kills) stepped up as Timberlane took the final two points and the victory.

Justin Scott celebrated his 17th birthday by registering 17 kills and leading Pinkerton to a 3-1 win (25-20, 21-25, 25-23, 25-15) over Londonderry. Ray Cahoon had 10 service points and three blocks for the Astros (6-1) while Mike Brown's 24 points highlighted Londonderry's effort.  The Lancers fall to 6-2.

With Kyle Heidler, one of Pinkerton's two setters out sick, Brad Kenney filled in nicely with eight assists and one ace. The Astros won 3-1 over Keene.

Prepping for a tough early-season volleyball test Friday against Salem, Pinkerton took down Dover in three straight games. Justin Scott was strong up front with five kills and three blocks, and freshman Jerman Terro served up a pair of aces.