RallyNorth.net

If there were any nerves in the Salem locker room before its first-round Class L tourney game with Alvirne, they were extinguished right after tip-off.

The Blue Devils (14-5 Class L) showed Alvirne the door, 54-40. Starting the game on a 12-0 run, Salem sent a strong message to the rest of Class L. Salem limited the Broncos to just two points in the first period.

In consolation games, Haverhill outlasted Pelham 44-25 and Timberlane stifled Alvirne 44-30 despite missing standout University of Maine recruit Sam Wheeler, who was out sick.

Haverhill pulled away from Pelham with a 10-2 advantage in the third quarter behind leading scorer and all-tourney pick Michelle Stanley, who scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half. Melissa Ganem had seven points and was tough on the boards for the Hillies (3-4).

For the Hillies (2-4), who had an impressive 18-point second quarter, Christia Ouellette hustled for 12 points and Michelle Stanley added 10, six coming on a pair of 3-pointers.

"We had our moments, and we're scrapping," said Haverhill assistant Mike Woelfel. "It's not from a lack of trying."

Amanda Saab erupted for a team-high 17 points and Salem turned on the defensive heat, dousing Alvirne, 50-34.

Michaela Galvin and Danielle Stoodley chipped in 11 apiece for the Blue Devils.