RallyNorth.net

Methuen fended off six match points before dropping the epic fourth game in the Division 1 North final. The 10th-seeded Rangers had six game points of their own in the fourth before their magical playoff run came to an end. The senior-laden Rangers were led by Kyle Mansour, Ryan Freeman, Zach Branchaud and Josh Pappas.

Methuen picked the perfect time to exorcise a couple of demons that were hanging around for a while.

The No. 10 Rangers upset No. 3 St. John's Prep, 3-0, the Division 1 North semifinals, marking their third-straight tourney upset. Prior to last night's win, Methuen (14-9) had knocked off No. 7 Westford Academy and No. 2 Lawrence.

Methuen volleyball coach Matt Twomey said it best: "Any good team knows it's about making the tournament. Then you start at 0-0 and no one's better than anyone else."

After a chippy encounter in Haverhill a couple of weeks ago, host Methuen and the Hillies engaged in a hard-fought but civil volleyball rematch that Haverhill won again in three straight games. Kyle Mansour was strong at the net for Methuen, but the Hillies had a triple threat in Drew Caruso (13 kills), Tom Oliveira (10 kills and 2 1/2 blocks) and Kevin Hirschfeld (9 kills) that made the difference.

Methuen qualified for the volleyball state tourney for the first time in two years, knocking off Winchester in three straight. Kyle Mansour led the victory with a dozen kills.

Andover senior Joe Kuykendall had an astounding 37 kills, 19 assists and 17 service points as Andover clipped Methuen in four games.

After losing to Central Catholic 3-1 in April 11, Methuen boys volleyball won 3-0 over the Raiders yesterday behind Zach Branchaud's 32 assists.

With Zach Sindoni (31 assists) deftly setting up everybody on Haverhill's front line, the Hillies emerged with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-11 victory over Methuen to stay unbeaten at 6-0.

Josh Pappas recorded 23 service points and Methuen rolled to a 3-0 volleyball win over Greater Lowell.

Christian Mayi (19) and Joel Rodriguez (17) combined for 36 kills as Lawrence defeated Methuen 3-1.