RallyNorth.net

Winning the first playoff game in the Haverhill girls lacrosse program’s 10-year history was just the beginning.. his was also a tremendously exciting win (8-7) and, better yet, it came against one of the storied programs in Massachusetts girls lacrosse. Winchester! As in Division 1 North runner-up last year and EMass./state Division 2 runner-up each of the previous four seasons (2010-13).  Holly Pereira scored four goals and Ciara O’Neill and Brooke Martel made like the Globetrotters and played an exciting game of keep-away for the final 2:11 to polish off the hosts in their D1 North opener. The No. 7 Sachems, who finished up at 11-8, may be rebuilding. Still, nobody but nobody in lacrosse circles saw this one coming. “It’s amazing when nobody cares who gets credit,” said a giddy Mindy Cripps, who has coached the Brown and Gold all 10 varsity seasons. “They played with heart and grit and they played for each other. It’s so beautiful. They are not all superstars but this is because they are playing for each other.” O’Neill and Martel ended the game in flashy style. “They were pressured by 3-4-5 girls,” marvelled Cripps, whose club added to its school record with its 15th win (now 15-6). Winchester scored with about 2:30 left to cut it to 1 and then the Sachems won the draw. But the Hillies got the ball back and ran out the clock. Goalie Alex Comeau stopped 13 shots. “She had an awesome game,” said Cripps. The challenge will be even more intense when they travel to No. 2 North Andover for a Thursday 4 p.m. quarterfinal matchup.

The Haverhill girls lacrosse team finished off a clean sweep of the MVC Small by beating Dracut 15-12 on Thursday afternoon. Liz Brady and Sydney Demarais led the Hillies with three goals each, and Alex Comeau made 11 saves in net.

Liz Brady scored eight goals and assisted on four others as Haverhill downed Methuen 21-15. Alex Comeau made 14 saves for the winners.

Liz Brady scored three goals and assisted on three more as Haverhill rolled over Winthrop 13-4.

Brooke Martel (3 goals, 2 assists) was the big gun and Sydney Demarais and Liz Brady added two goals apiece as Haverhill downed Shawsheen 10-6.

Abbie Karalis pumped in six goals and Colleen Chittick added three as North Andover downed Haverhill 15-4.

Haverhill beat Dracut 14-10 as Liz Brady erupted for 5 goals and 3 assists. Sydney Demarais added three goals and two helpers. Jess Sarro and Katie Lynch were defensive mainstays.

Liz Brady and Sydney Demarais each scored twice and Alex Comeau (5 saves) and Hannah Goodwin (3 saves) shined in net as Haverhill drubbed Malden 11-1.