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DERRY, N.H. — Ultimately, as the Salem boys volleyball team showed last night, the cream always rises to the top.

Slowed a bit in the first two games by a spirited Timberlane squad, the Blue Devils (19-0) put it together in the final game to complete a 25-19, 25-23, 25-18 sweep and, with their nation’s-best 93rd straight victory, captured their fifth straight Division 1 state title.

DERRY, N.H. — There’s a new face in the race for the Division 1 volleyball title.

Undefeated top seed Salem earned its customary berth, but its opponent this year will be Timberlane. Continuing its best season ever, the second seeded Owls took a determined 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 triumph over No. 3 Pinkerton Academy in Tuesday’s opening match.

DERRY, N.H. — There’s a new face in the race for the Division 1 volleyball title.

Undefeated top seed Salem earned its customary berth, but its opponent this year will be Timberlane. Continuing its best season ever, the second seeded Owls took a determined 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 triumph over No. 3 Pinkerton Academy in Tuesday’s opening match.

Just as it did in the first week of the season, the Timberlane boys volleyball team defeated Oyster River in straight sets, this time beating them 26-24, 25-15, 25-13 to advance to the semifinal game. Alex Mill led the way with 18 kills, 15 service points and five aces, Conor Dube tallied 35 assists, and Terry Matatall added 10 blocks.

Owl milestones

Timberlane's boys volleyball team ended its regular season on a high note, sweeping Coe-Brown 25-8, 25-10, 25-11 to improve to 12-4, which is the best record in its five-year history and puts it in a tie for second in Division 1 heading into the playoffs this week. Also, Senior Alex Mill had 18 kills, 15 service points and a team-record 10 aces.

Alex Anderson recorded 12 kills, and was at his best in the final, deciding set as Timberlane squeeked past Masenic 25-8, 19-25, 25-27, 25-9, 18-16. Conor Dube notched a team-high 40 assists and Tommy Paoletta stood out on defense for the winners.

Tommy Paoletta played great defense for the Timberlane boys volleyball team.

Breaking through

After 14 straight losses to Keene, Timberlane's boys volleyball team finally broke through and defeated their western New Hampshire opponent for the first time in school history. Conor Dube had 10 service points and 31 assists for the Owls (4-2)

 Alex Rees delivered the volleyball equivalent of a double-double, with 13 service points and 10 kills, lifting the Pinkerton Academy boys over Timberlane in four games.

Conor Dube's pinpoint passing kept the 3-2 Owls in the match most of the night. 

Salem owned the battle of 3-0 teams, knocking off Timberlane in three straight.

Dan Tiner paced the winners with 13 kills and five blocks. Jason Kinney chipped in 12 and four, while Chris Barnes passed out 27 assists.