RallyNorth.net

Lawrence to face St. Johns in semi-finals

 The Lawrence Lancers have advanced further into the MIAA tournament after defeating Boston Latin Acedemy on Tuesday. Lawrence needed just three games to take care of buisness,winning 25-17, 27-25, 25-22.

Setter Arial Frias delivered the kind of performance expected of every setter in the tournament, dishing out 25 assists and keeping his teamates' heads in the game.

"He pumps the guys up," said head coach Tony Hajjar. "The hardest thing as a coach is to try to get the team going."

Lawrence will face St. John's Prep in the North semi-finals, and Hajjar knows the lancers will need to play with more heart to beat the Prep.

"We played not to lose," said Hajjar said of the Lancer's performance agaisnt Boston Latin. "We need to step it up for St. John's" 

St. John's went 18-1 during the season to claim the number one seed. They swept Westford Acedemy in the quarter-finals on Tuesday.

Lawrence, who entered the tournament with the number five seed, went 15-5 during the season. They defeated Lowell 3-0 in the first round. 

The Lancers were very strong at the net against Boston Latin. Jose Vargas, who racked up six blocks, and the entire front row managed to contain the Boston Latin hitters. 

The Lancer defense was also solid, as Prince Hiraldo made some key passes down the stretch. 

Lawrence will travel to St. John's on Thursday for the teams' semi-final matchup.