RallyNorth.net

METHUEN – For anyone left playing at this stage of the season, there’s only one objective.

“It’s survive and advance,” Methuen softball coach Jason Smith said of playing in the Round of 16. “That’s the name of the game.”

HAVERHILL – Facing the top-rated team in the state, Matt Pappalardo knew he’d have to bring his best stuff. Facing Austin Prep’s ace for the Pena Division title of the Hillie Classic, the Methuen junior also had to figure a bit of luck wouldn’t hurt either.

Tess Gobiel scored a game-high six goals as Andover topped Methuen 17-13. Kiera Fitzpatrick led the Rangers with five goals.

Sophomore Dom Pefine threw a complete-game, three-hit shutout, and freshman Zack Faro led off the seventh with a hit and came around the score the game-winning run with two outs to give North Andover a 1-0 victory over Methuen. 

Methuen goalie AJ Smith posted 17 saves and Mike Moschitto added three more to hold Dracut scoreless in the Rangers' 18-0 victory Monday. Will McKinnon (six goals, three assists), Jared Cripps (3 goals), and David Rizzo (three goals) paced the Ranger offense. 

Kyra Meuse had three hits and drove in three runs as Methuen rolled past Boston Latin 14-2. Kiele Coleman added 3 hits and two runs and Thyanais Santiago drove in two for the winners.

Methuen's three singles players — Marie-Maxime Metivier, Breena Lawrence and Sam Pfeil — combined to win 36 of 39 games as the 14th-ranked Rangers improved to 12-1 with a five-match sweep over Tewksbury.