RallyNorth.net

Methuen girls refuse to lose

Trailing after each of the first three quarters, the Methuen High girls simply refused to allow their season to end. Playing at Somerville in the Division 1 North opening round matchup, the Rangers rallied for 23 points in the fourth quarter, erasing a 42-39 deficit to defeat the host Hilltoppers, 62-55.

Tomorrow night at 7 p.m., the Rangers travel to No. 2 Lowell, which defeated Methuen both times during the regular season. "It was a close game all game," said Methuen coach Karen McLaughlin.

The biggest cause for alarm early for the Rangers was rebounds, or the lack of them.

"I asked how many rebounds we had sometime during the first half. We had six up to that point." said McLaughin.

Picking up her team was Rashidat Agboola, who ended up with 12 boards, along with her team-leading 20 points.

Sujaliz Dominguez also kept her team in the game. Along with 11 points, she blocked four, stole four, and chipped in a pair of assists.

The Rangers were clutch, hitting 11 of 15 free throws in the fourth to seal the victory.

"I told the girls that we would go home disappointed if we didn't go home with a win," said McLaughlin. "So, they turned it up in the fourth quarter."