RallyNorth.net

Marlayna Buco had a tremendous day, stopping 17 shots but ninth-seeded Haverhill lost 2-0 to top-seeded Acton-Boxboro in the Division 1 North quarterfinals in girls soccer action. Haverhill also lost 2-0 to Acton-Boxboro in the quarterfinals last year. "But this was a much closer game," Haverhill coach Fred Tarbox said. Last year, the Hillies posted their best win percentage and first tourney victory since going varsity in 1994. Haverhill won its second tourney game in program history with a 1-0 victory over Brookline in the first round Tuesday. "This the most successful senior class at Haverhill High (for girls soccer)," Tarbox said. The Hillies (8-6-5) also won their third consecutive MVC Division 2 title. Acton-Boxboro (18-0-1) scored on a corner kick and a shot from about 35 yards out. "Marlayna had a perfect day in net," Tarbox said. "Nothing she could have done about the two goals. In the wet conditions, she had good hands. On the corner, it was unfortunate. We were unable to clear it out." The other goal was placed perfectly, Tarbox added. "We put a lot of pressure on them, especially in the second half," Tarbox said. "I felt we outplayed them in the second half. A couple of twists and I think we would have been into overtime with them. But they are very talented, strong team. They play like a college team."