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Methuen's Moriarty, Brooks' Skinner receive coveted award

Laura Moriarty and Alex Skinner don't like to boast, but they'd be within their rights to.

Down to earth, intelligent and talented, these two local athletes are deserving recipients of this year's Moynihan Lumber Merrimack Valley Student-Athlete of the Year Awards.

Lexington ace no-hits Methuen

As good as advertised.

That was the consensus of the Methuen softball team at Martin Field last night after the Rangers fell to Lexington and its ace, Kiki Saveriano, 3-0 in the Division 1 North semifinals.

Peabody sees its season ended in quarterfinals by Methuen

PEABODY | The situation was just what the Peabody High softball team was hoping for.

The end result, however, was not.

Despite loading the bases in the final inning, the Tanners couldn't push the tying run across and fell to visiting Methuen, 5-4, in the Division 1 North quarterfinals at Kiley Field.

Methuen's Oskar, Adams hoping to make the leap to elite status

Two weeks after his indoor track season ended, Josh Adams dinged up his knee while snowboarding.

Although not serious, the injury taught him a lesson.

"You have to be super careful," he said. "Any little thing could mess you up for a long time."

Hillies' breakout season ends in disappointment

METHUEN | Despite a tough 7-1 loss to Methuen yesterday in the Division 1 North first round, Haverhill can take a slew of positives out of this season.

The Hillies posted back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1995-96.

Higgins walk-off gains Rangers consolation

In yesterday's consolation game, Methuen High junior Tim Higgins belted a two-out, seventh-inning walkoff homer, lifting the Rangers to a 6-5 win over Pentucket.

Rubber-armed David Koerner earned his second win in the last four days, going the distance in an eight-hitter. Koerner helped his own cause with a three-hit afternoon, driving in one and scoring another.

Andover, Methuen smash way to title game

No one should expect a pitching duel in today's 7 p.m. championship game of the Methuen Invitational.

The way red-hot Andover and Methuen hit the ball in their semifinal victories at the Burnham Road complex yesterday, in fact, there could be a slugfest.

Calzettta, Lancers gut it out over Methuen

A stiff wind blowing straight out, a potent lineup in the other dugout, and his usual pin-point control a no-show.

It didn't look promising.

All Lawrence High sophomore Michael Calzetta could do was buckle up, hold on and hope his teammates had their hacking shoes on.

Methuen rolls over Whittier

Sizzling Steve Saba continued to swing an impeccable bat, going 3 for 3 with two RBIs to lead Methuen over Whittier, 10-2. Saba is now seven for his last eight. Kenny Polanco also had three hits and drove in a pair to help make a winner out of David Koerner.

Andover takes care of business, now needs help

Earlier in the year, Andover coach Ken Maglio predicted 10 wins would take the Merrimack Valley Conference large title.

He is a Central Catholic loss to Tewksbury (Monday) away from being a prophet.

Close cousins are fierce rivals on the field

Life will be much simpler for Josephine Guselli next spring. It may not be anywhere near as much fun, however.

For the last few years, she has been a gung-ho fan of both the Central Catholic and Methuen softball teams, avidly following her granddaughters, Chelsey, a senior for the Raiders, and Becca, a junior for the Rangers.

Central hammers Methuen

Central Catholic pasted Methuen 15-0 in five innings.

Lindsay Martin drilled an run-scoring double and Lisa Policelli had an RBI single in Central's six-run second inning.

Tina Eringis had the day's monster blast, a grand slam as part of a nine-run, fourth-inning uprising.

Martin, Central make amends

METHUEN | This one was special for Central Catholic's Lindsay Martin.

The senior from Methuen enjoys defeating her hometown team anyway but, in wake of last year, last night's 2-1 victory at Burnham Road Field was doubly pleasing.

Clearing life’s hurdles

Moments after falling during a practice run last spring, Josue Henriquez popped up, balled his fist, and punched a hurdle.

"I was so ticked," he said, using more colorful language than that.

Methuen, Andover to finish game in May

Jhiomar Veras' two-run triple drew Methuen even in the top of the seventh inning and Andover was held scoreless before the rains stopped play with the teams deadlocked, 5-5. Zach Burdeau ripped a triple and a single to lead the Golden Warriors.
The Merrimack Valley Conference will decide when the remainder of the game will be played, with the possibility that it will be finished May 16 in Methuen before the regularly scheduled matchup.

Hillies walk away to win over Rangers

HAVERHILL | Should Haverhill challenge for a conference title this spring, the Hillies will remember yesterday with glee.

Haverhill, now 6-3 overall and still a game behind Tewksbury in the MVC Small chase, managed just three hits but got plenty of pitching and a bit of help to knock off Methuen, 6-1.

Lyons, Bergeron rewarded for wait

Perhaps it wasn't too much of a sacrifice, but both Salem senior Erin Lyons and Methuen junior Sarra Bergeron have learned that patience can indeed be a virtue.

For different reasons, both have been more in the background the last two years, but they are now among the better pitchers in the region and vital members of two of the better teams.

Ottaviani Haverhill Invitational Meet

Lawrence's KB Oshodi has been one of Central Catholic's best and brightest track stars. And he has the Raider football program to thank for it.

"In my freshman year, the football coaches wanted to get us to do track," Oshodi explained. "They said it would be good to try and do a lot of different stuff. In the triple jump, in my first year, I was doing better than the varsity guys. I did well and I just continued to improve."

Hall of Fame shocker for Methuen

Historic Doubleday Field brings out the best in the Methuen Rangers.

Methuen shocked Tewksbury, the top-rated team in Eastern Mass., 6-4, in the shadow of the National Baseball Hall of Fame behind another heroic David Koerner mound performance.

Methuen cheerleaders are tops

When Kayla Getchell, Alexa Leclerc and Amanda George graduate from Methuen High School in June, they can forever say they were members of the best team in school history.

The girls are co-captains of the school's cheerleading team. Since they joined the squad in their freshman year, along with seniors Lauren Clark and Sean Bibeau, they've taken home seven of the eight state titles they could win in fall and winter cheerleading seasons. Cheerleading is both a fall and winter sport.

Methuen Softball Preview

2007 record: 16-6, lost in Division 1 North second round

Returning starters (6): Sarra Bergeron, Jr., OF/P; Rebecca Guselli, Jr., 2B; Stephanie Chaisson, Sr., OF;  Jessi McCarthy, Sr., SS;  Nicole Mason, Jr., 1B; Paige Fleming, Soph., C

Methuen Baseball Preview

2007 record: 7-15, did not make state tourney

Returning starters (4): Jimmy Cote, Sr., 3B/P; Dave Koerner, Sr., RF/P; Steve Saba, Sr., C; Matt Bartlett, Jr., SS; Jhiomar Veras, Sr., 2B

Methuen Cheerleading Photo Gallery

Last Updated March 13, 2008

New England Tournament

Timberlane's young wrestling team matured quickly during the season and | paced by heavyweight champion Brian Nicoll and 103-pound runner-up Cam Sullivan, both juniors | it grew up completely yesterday at the New England Tournament.

Loss nothing for Rangers to hang their heads about

Amid her teary-eyed players, Methuen High girls basketball coach Karen McLaughlin dispensed a small nugget of wisdom. "This is the hardest part," she said. "I always said, to get here, you had to be successful."

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.

Diaz, Rangers end on a high note

Methuen closed the season with a flourish, defeating North Andover 52-50. Romeo Diaz capped his fine career with a 21-point performance.

The Scarlet Knights had a shot at the buzzer, but it rimmed out. Sean McManus chipped in 16 points and Steve Boudreau scored a team-high 17 points.

Methuen advances to tourney, reluctantly

By placing third at the individual sectional at home yesterday, the Methuen wrestling team qualified for the Division 1 North dual-meet sectional in Lowell this week, but it will be appearing under protest and at less than full strength.

Division 1 North Sectionals

The seeds had Andrik Cruz primed for a third straight sectional final disappointment.

Cruz would have none of that. The Methuen High senior, wrestling at 145 pounds, made his third North championship try a winning one, heading up an area contingent of two champs and 15 places moving on to the Division 1 North championships in Bridgewater next weekend.

McManus helps North Andover edge Methuen

Sean McManus scored 15 points to lead North Andover past Methuen, 54-47. Steve Boudreau added 13 points for the Scarlet Knights.

"We defended the 3-pointer much better in the second half," said North Andover coach Mike McVeigh. "Our defense was just better than their offense after halftime and that was the difference in the game."

Methuen Invitational

Methuen senior John Sughrue didn't get the match he would have preferred, but he had plenty of consolation yesterday at the Methuen Invitational.

Because he moved up a weight class to 130 pounds this year, there was no showdown with Salem star Trevor Dearden, but both Sughrue and Dearden came away big winners.

Methuen rallies past Shawsheen

Methuen, trailing most of the meet, won the last five weight classes to defeat Shawsheen, 36-27. First-period pins by Bob Kelm (130) and unbeaten John Sughrue (135) gave the Rangers (19-2) the momentum they needed. Also, 112-pounder Eric Buonagurio had a key 10-6 decision over Ryan Ahearn, who placed at the Lowell Holiday Tournament. Methuen will try to defend its title at the Methuen Invitational Saturday.

Methuen ends another streak, Defeats Haverhill for first time in seven years

After upsetting Central Catholic a month ago, Methuen achieved another landmark victory last night. This one, however, needs an asterisk placed next to it.

The Rangers' pressure defense and timely fast-break offense overcame early foul trouble to gallop past Haverhill, 51-24, their first win over the Hillies since January 4, 2001, a span of nine consecutive setbacks.

Smith leads Andover over Methuen

Cam Smith had a hat trick to lead Andover to a 7-2 win over Methuen. John Hyslip had four assists and George Flanagan and Kevin Drew each had two assists for the Golden Warriors. Methuen goalie Pat O'Leary had 33 saves.

Methuen hits from deep in win

Methuen hit a combined 16 3-pointers on the way to besting Tewksbury, 72-60. Edwin Gonzalez hit six 3-pointers on his way to 26 points while Romeo Diaz (25 points) had five 3-pointers while Mike Gorman (15) also hit five from beyond the arch.

Ranger woes continue

Injuries have truly put a chokehold on Methuen and the problems continue.

First, the Rangers lost Edwin Gonzalez to a sprained ankle and Matt Merritte to an inadvertent Christmas tourney pop in the jaw by a teammate.

Unbeaten Lowell crushes Methuen

Lowell coach Tim O'Keefe believes that his defending Division 1 state champion Red Raiders still have a lot of work to do to approach last year's squad.

"We're still a work in progress," claims O'Keefe.

Morgan's career high five goals spark Swampscott past Methuen

Keith Morgan had a career night for the Big Blue (4-3-3), scoring five goals | including three on the power play | as Swampscott moved to over .500 for the first time this season with a 6-4 triumph over Methuen.

Workout competition fuels Kevin Sughrue

Whoever said that you're only as good as your competition must have had Methuen junior Kevin Sughrue and Salem senior Corbin Decker in mind.

Fine wrestlers in their own right, and involved in wrestling since elementary school, they've both benefitted mightily from training and competing against the best, whether it's because of their family connection (Sughrue) or who they know (Decker).

Rangers pin Raiders down to size

Looks can indeed be deceiving, as Methuen sophomore heavyweight Shaun McCarthy helped demonstrate last night in the Rangers' convincing 39-27 victory over Central Catholic. With Methuen ahead 3-0 after the first match, a 7-3 decision for unbeaten Steve Saba at 215, McCarthy | all 5-foot-8, 215 pounds of him | stepped onto the mat to face a much larger (by at least 55 pounds) Dan Caniff at heavyweight. It did not look like a good matchup for the Rangers.

Pinkerton defeats Methuen in thriller

METHUEN | With her team trailing Pinkerton Academy by eight points late in the fourth quarter, Methuen coach Karen McLaughlin tuned her voice as high as it could go.

She doesn't remember much of what she said during the timeout, except that she ordered her players not to sulk like former Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe used to.

Nieves heats up again, Lawrence knocks off Methuen

Methuen High made plenty of headway in slowing down Lawrence's beefy big men, Mariano Fortunato and Jorge Escoto.

But the Rangers, gritty as can be, had no such solution when it came to Lancer point guard Justin Nieves.

Coaches' Corner: Methuen's Jennifer Kravitz

Jennifer Kravitz's holiday season hasn't exactly been full of rest and relaxation.

The first-year Methuen High girls indoor track coach, a biology teacher at the school, had surgery to repair her ACL last week. She got hurt playing soccer last month.

Methuen beats Central for first time since 2003

Minutes before Methuen secured the biggest upset of the young season, coach Karen McLaughlin reminded her team of what was at stake.

The Rangers, who were leading Central Catholic by two points with a minute to play, were acting too giddy, too early. "Pay attention to me instead of celebrating!" she yelled. In other words, stay calm. Slow down. Breathe.

Methuen holds Reggies to record-low scoring output

On a day in which Methuen had one of its lowest scoring games in years, the Rangers' defense saved the day.

Methuen held Greater Lawrence Tech to 22 points, a record-low in the 33-year history of the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tourney. The previous mark was 23 by Pinkerton against Salem in the 2003 semifinals.

6-footers bring hope to Methuen

In seventh grade, Rashidat Agboola shot up like a beanstalk. It came suddenly, she said. By the end of the school year, she was 5-foot-11.

Shocked at first, Agboola wasn't sure what to do. She figured out quickly.

Nothing can stop the Reggies

Greater Lawrence didn't have any choice so it showed its depth yesterday while capturing the Wakefield Tournament.

Despite missing four starters, including standouts Miguel Guzman and Victor Sosa, the Reggies powered their way to 191 points in the 16-team field, far ahead of runner-up Reading 150 1/2, which barely nipped Methuen 149.

Sifferlen gives North Andover win over Methuen

METHUEN | Methuen was just minutes away from what would have been nothing short of a huge opening-night upset. The Rangers held a one-goal lead for 30 minutes before North Andover came storming back with two goals in the final 3:13 to down the Rangers, 2-1, in front of a cold and noisy crowd.

Methuen wins opener

Methuen was paced by 17 points from Rashidat Agboola, downing Wilmington, 51-43. Senior Lea Freeman had 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Rangers.

2006-07 record: 21-2, lost in Division 1 North final

Returning starters (9): Eric Buonagurio, Sr., 112; John Sughrue, Sr., 130; Matt Murray, Sr., 189; Bobby Kelm, Sr., 125; Mario Wiggins, Sr., 135; Andrik Cruz, Sr., 145; Steve Saba, Sr., 215; Kevin Sughrue, Jr., 140; Nate Krikorian, Jr., 145

Diaz lifts Methuen to new heights

It wasn't quite exactly Michael Jordan getting cut from his high school JV team, but it still stung Romeo Diaz.

"The coaches forced me to play on the 8th-grade 'B' team," said Methuen's Diaz.

Diaz never forgot the slight.

Methuen Boys Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 9-12, lost in Division 1 North prelims

Returning starters (4): Romeo Diaz, 6-4, Sr., forward; Matt Merritte, 6-2, Sr., forward; Edwin Gonzalez, 5-8, Jr., guard; Matt Richardson, 6-2, Jr., guard

Methuen Boys Ice Hockey Preview

2006-07 record: 4-13-2, didn't make state tournament

Returning lettermen: Nick August, Sr., defense; Justen Bolognese, Sr., defense; Jarrod Burke, Sr., defense; A.J. DiNuccio, Sr., defense; Jared Haney, Sr., forward; Tim Howey, Sr., forward; James MacDonald, Sr., forward; Brandon Baldassari, Jr., forward; Jonathan Borden, Jr., goalie; Dan Loughlin, Jr., forward; Matt Perry, Jr., forward; Nate Robinson, Jr., forward; Greg Smith, Jr., goalie; Drew August, Soph., forward; Pat Flemming, Soph., defense; Tom Greene, Soph., forward;

Methuen Girls Basketball Preview

2006-07 record: 11-10, lost in Division 1 North first round

Returning starters (3): Lea Freeman, 6-0, Sr., center; Kierstyn Donnelly, 5-8, Jr., guard; Rashidat Agboola, 6-0, Soph., center

Returning lettermen: Anna Mackey, 5-5, Sr., guard; Sujaliz Dominguez, 5-7, Sr., guard; Jessi McCarthy, 5-10, Sr., forward; Lindsay Pare, 5-10, Jr., forward; Ashley Adams, 5-6, Soph., guard; Katelyn Ortiz, 5-4, Soph., guard; Megan Cessa, 5-7, Soph., forward

Miscues, bad timing doom Methuen upset bid

DRACUT | Methuen had the lead early in the fourth quarter, but, as they did all game long, critical mistakes cost the Rangers dearly.

With the ball at their own 36 and holding a one-point lead, a snap sailed well over the head of punter Justin Marsan. Marsan ran back and picked it up, but was tackled for a loss of 26 yards. Dracut did not waste the first-and-goal opportunity and Matt Grimard ran for a 13-yard score that iced the game and the season, 18-13.

Methuen looking to make final statement

The Valley is watching Pat Graham this Thanksgiving. So aren't West Methuen, and the Arlington district, and the folks out at Homestead Acres, too.

The rookie Ranger coach understands it, and says his club will be ready for Dracut.

Thanksgiving Day Preview: Methuen at Dracut

Methuen quarterback: Matt Bartlett

Methuen coach: Pat Graham

Parking: The cluster of lots surrounding Dracut High are sufficient. If you're looking to get close to the field, stay to the right of the school. Those looking for a quick exit should head left.

Central grinds past spirited Rangers

METHUEN | Chuck Adamopoulos and the Central Catholic coaching staff weren't the only ones not happy with the way the Raiders were playing in the first half last night, when they trailed a spirited Methuen squad 13-7.

Abreu, Andover sack Methuen

ANDOVER | By the end of the game, Methuen had to be tired of hearing Chris Abreu's name.

The linebacker sacked Rangers quarterback Matt Bartlett four times to pace Andover in a 41-12 victory last night.

Methuen girls bow out

Irene Cassidy saved 23 in Methuen's 4-1 loss to Reading in the Division 1 North tourney opener.

The Rangers' lone goal was scored by Dana Shaffer. "Cassidy definitely kept us in the game in the first half. She just made some outstanding plays," said Methuen coach Karen McLaughlin. Despite the 4-1 final, Reading was held scoreless until the second half of play.

Methuen will remember the Titans

METHUEN | After last night's game with Nashua North, Methuen coach Pat Graham couldn't help but scratch his head. He had just watched his injury-plagued Rangers get run over by a Titan offense that rushed for 288 yards on 35 carries. Nashua North's John-Leon Gosselin, a 5-foot-11, 215-pound fullback, had just smashed Graham's defense in the mouth, continually running up the gut, daring the Rangers to stop him to the tune of 170 yards on 24 carries.

Chelmsford runs over Methuen

CHELMSFORD | The only thing sloppier than the field at the end of the game was Methuen's offense during it.

The injury-riddled Rangers only picked up 53 yards of water-logged offense, 47 of that on one long run from Mike Bartlett, as the MVC-leading Chelmsford Lions rolled to a 28-0 win.

Coaches' Corner: Jason Smith

Jason Smith has to be the Merrimack Valley's biggest Syracuse fan.

The 32-year-old Methuen swimming and softball coach graduated in 1997, but still catches the Orange on TV and in person whenever possible.

Lowell shocks Methuen on last play

METHUEN | "They all hurt," said Methuen coach Pat Graham after last night's 31-30 heartbreaking loss to Lowell, but this one may have hurt just a little more.

The Rangers (2-4) took a commanding 27-0 lead in the first half and, after a 20-yard Giuliano Pizzo field goal, still led 30-21 with just 3:09 left to play in the game.

McCarthy leads Methuen over Haverhill

Jessi McCarthy and Dana Shaffer scored to help Methuen shut out Haverhill 2-0. Alison Krusell and Brittany Forkus each played well for the Rangers. Briana Guerin made 15 saves for the Hillies.

Tewksbury too much for Methuen

METHUEN | David Koerner was carried off the field to a standing ovation.

Unfortunately for Methuen, it wasn't after an inspiring win, but early in a 34-7 loss to Tewksbury.

The senior was on his way to a career night, making a pair of stellar interceptions on back-to-back Tewksbury drives. The first, a diving grab on a tipped pass by Chris Texiera, looked easy compared to Koerner's spectacular second pick. Texiera fired a pass over the middle under pressure from the backfield, and Koerner soared head and shoulders over the leaping mob of Redmen to make a one-handed snatch in mid-air.

Methuen Cheerleading goes co-ed

Methuen High cheerleaders, five-time state champions in the past six years, are trying something new this year, they'll be competing in the co-ed division for the first time.

The 23-member squad has two males on the team for the first time. Coach Jessica Hamilton said the boys, freshman Michael Hamel and senior Sean Bibeau, are a great addition to the team.

Methuen Marching Band Photo Gallery

Last Updated October 4, 2007

Island living

This week's mileage award has to go to the Methuen boys varsity and JV teams. Looking to venture out of the MVC, the Rangers made the lengthy trip from Methuen to Hyannis Saturday morning and then hopped an 11 a.m. ferry to Nantucket, where the Rangers took on the aptly named Whalers of Nantucket High.

Rangers get attitude adjustment

Beating Belchertown is one thing, but Methuen High football players hit the halls this week with a bit more pep in their step.

Their mammoth Merrimack Valley Conference losing skid is a thing of the past thanks to a dominating 28-7 win over Haverhill.

Gross vaults Andover past Methuen

Catherine Gross scored her six goal of the season five minutes into the second half to give Andover a 1-0 victory over Methuen. Brittany Isenhart added the assist, Nicole Gagnon and Kathleen Cheney stood out on defense and Tameka Geaslen made two outstanding saves for the Golden Warriors. For the Rangers, Irene Cassidy had 16 saves.

Methuen ends MVC drought at 33 games

HAVERHILL | Methuen senior and tri-captain David Koerner has enjoyed plenty of fine moments in athletics, but they all paled compared to last night.

"This is the best feeling I've had by far, and I play three sports," said Koerner after the Rangers snapped a 33-game Merrimack Valley Conference losing streak, dating back to 2002, with a convincing 28-7 victory over Haverhill before more than 1,000 fans.

Methuen's Bartlett twins ready to end losing streak

New England sports fans place the No. 33 on a pedestal. After all, it was worn by the great Celtic Larry Bird. But that same harmless 33 draws nothing but ire from Methuen High football players, who have come to despise the digits. The "33" now represents the Rangers' tailspin, the number of consecutive losses against Merrimack Valley Conference competition.

Cassidy outstanding in Methuen's scoreless tie

Irene Cassidy made seven saves as Methuen fought Tewksbury to a scoreless tie. Alison Krusell and Jessica Donovan played well for the Rangers (5-1-2).

Methuen steamrolls Lawrence

Nine players recorded points as Methuen downed Lawrence 7-0. Stephanie Chaisson scored twice while goalie Irene Cassidy | playing the field in the second half | also had a goal for the Rangers (5-1-1).

Cote leads Methuen over Tewksbury

Methuen won its fourth straight game, 1-0 over Tewksbury. Jim Cote headed in a corner kick from Gus Lopes for the Rangers' lone goal while Mark Dougherty made three saves for his second shutout of the season.

Billerica stampede crushes Methuen's upset hopes

METHUEN | Methuen's defense wouldn't break, so Billerica's pass-happy offense had to.

The upset-minded Rangers | they led the powerhouse Indians 3-0 at the half | used patience to create a clutch turnover, take a halftime lead, and force the Indians to change. If Methuen were to snap its 32-game conference losing streak, this would be in storybook fashion.

Chaisson's hat trick vaults Haverhill

Haverhill had no answers for Stephanie Chaisson, who compiled three goals and an assist as Methuen routed the Hillies 8-0. Amanda Getchell (2 goals) and Paige Dugay (2 assists) both also had strong games for the Rangers.

Methuen rolls to victory over Sommerville

Methuen rolled to a 6-1 victory over Somerville. Amy DeSimone scored a pair of goals to lead the Rangers, who also got a goal and two assists from Megan Sessa.

Methuen cruises to win over Everett

Ashley Adams scored two goals and assisted on two more as Methuen cruised to a 6-0 win over Everett.

Methuen drops opener

CONCORD | Playing just minutes from the Old North Bridge and the starting point of the Revolutionary War, the Methuen football team could not get off to the revolutionary start they were hoping to last night at the Rangers fell to Concord Carlisle, 29-7.

Methuen Field Hockey Preview

2006 record: 5-10-3, didn't qualify for state tournament

Returning starters (9): Irene Cassidy, Sr., goalkeeper; Stephanie Chaisson, Sr., forward; Jessica Donovan, Sr., midfield; Brittany Forkus, Sr., back; Alison Krusell, Sr., back; Jordan Loffredo, Sr., midfield; Jessi McCarthy, Sr., forward; Kaileigh Hintlian, Jr., back; Ashley Adams, Soph., forward

Koerner, Methuen have high hopes

David Koerner's ears are ringing with motivational mantra.

The 6-foot-2, 150-pound receiver/defensive back, a tri-captain on the Methuen football team, has been wearing his "work to win" T-shirt with pride. And first-year coach Pat Graham, Koerner said, has been instructing his Rangers to "get an identity."

Ranger Revival