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Campbell's OT tally sends Prep lacrosse to semis

DANVERS -- Even though it was overtime, the final timeout called by John Roy was more about settling his offense down, getting the right personel on the field and going over the basics.

It was critical for St. John's to take care of the ball, be patient, and make sure everyone didn't stand around and watch senior captain Mark Scalise operate.

Tough start dooms Andover

In the third inning, Andover third baseman Zach Burdeau hit a blast that landed just short of the wall and would have plated at least one run. But the ball rolled under the fence for a ground-rule double, and no runs ended up scoring.

Andover calms down, rips Peabody

ANDOVER | As Andover knelt in a circle during halftime yesterday, there was one clear message throughout the team.

"We needed to get the jitters out of our system and just relax," said Golden Warriors head coach Wayne Puglisi. "We needed to take a deep breath, stay focused, maintain our composure and tell ourselves, 'We can do this.' "

23 hits not enough for error-plagued Andover

After yesterday's 18-12 loss in the preliminary round of the Division 1 North tournament, Andover head coach Stephanie Ragucci was left scratching her head.

You can't blame her because Andover had a whopping 23 hits and still lost.

Andover opens tourney in style

ANDOVER | Andover wanted to open the tournament with a statement.

"We knew going in that we are the sixth seed, and that is a lot lower than we have been in the past," said Golden Warriors tri-captain Kelly Driscoll of her club, which was a top-3 seed the last three years. "We wanted to come out tonight and show that, even though we have lost a few more games, we're still the same team we have been."

Even after loss, Masconomet poised for the postseason

TOPSFIELD | A Cape Ann League Large division title in its back pocket, the pitching rotation in perfect shape, and a rock-solid 15-5 record headed to the postseason.

Masconomet Regional has positioned itself perfectly for another deep Division 2 North baseball tourney run.

Andover hangs on for tourney title

LAWRENCE | As the games and innings piled up around him this week, Ryan Walsh simply sat and hoped.

"I've been prepping for it all week, hoping it was going to happen," said Walsh who went only 2<1/3> previous innings in the week as the Warriors posted four straight wins. "It was nice to go out there and take care of business."

Farrell, Andover top Lawrence in 8 innings

Ken Maglio had no qualms about bringing his ace John Farrell back on three days rest. The junior right-hander added toughness and grit to his already loaded pitching repertoire, gutting out a 10-6, eight-inning decision over Lawrence High in last night's second Lawrence Invitational Tournament semifinal.

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.

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.

Doucette, Strock save Andover

After failing to qualify last year, Andover qualified for the state tournament for the 10th time in 11 years with a 6-5 comeback win over Haverhill. The victory also gave the Golden Warriors (10-8, 9-5 in MVC) a shot at the MVC small school title.

Vetere vaults to victory at Andover Boosters Invitational

The wind was whipping for most of the morning. But when Andover's Mark Vetere stepped up for his biggest vault, everything seemed to calm.

"The conditions got a lot better towards the end of the event," he said. "I felt like I got my hips up and had really good form. It just felt really good."

Education of a goalie: Konjoian emerging under the lessons of recovering Cook

As Abby Cook took her place in the Andover High net for the first time this season late in Monday's win, closing out her road back from injury, the loudest cheers came from the player she replaced in the game, Golden Warriors starting goalie Jules Konjoian.

Andover handles Haverhill

Behind 10 different goal scorers, Andover easily downed Haverhill, 11-3. Midfielder Rosie Forster (two goals and an assist) and Kylie Nagy (defense) led the winners.

D'Innocenzo qualifies for Olympic trials

Even though it was more than a week ago, it just keeps getting better for Andover's Nick D'Innocenzo.

"It hit me the other night that I will be entered in the same event at the same meet as (six-time Olympic gold medalist) Michael Phelps," he said. "That is so weird to think about."

No stopping Morander: Senior overcomes diabetes to excel in baseball, football

No matter how focused Mike Morander is on the field, there are times that he simply needs to take a break.

"Sometimes my whole team will be practicing and I'll be on the sidelines eating fruit snacks or drinking Gatorade," he said. "It doesn't make me angry, but it gives me passion."

Andover squeezes past Lowell

Meaghan McCarthy's RBI single in the bottom of the eighth squeezed Andover past Lowell, 3-2.

Katie McCarthy led off the inning by reaching base on an error. Jeanette Doucette laid down a bunt that was bobbled, allowing McCarthy to advance to third and Doucette to reach first safely. After an intentional walk to slugger Tricia Martin, Meaghan McCarthy ripped a single through the hole between first and second to drive home the winning run. Pitcher Kathleen Cheney totalled nine strikeouts for the Warriors.

The race is on: Andover slams Central, slides back into first-place tie

NORTH ANDOVER | In a way, the fact that nothing was settled on a league-wide basis here yesterday makes perfect sense.
You'd hate to see the Merrimack Valley Conference large school crown decided in a 20-10 romp.

Breaking out: Hennessy following in brothers' footsteps to excel for Andover baseball

ANDOVER -- There is no arguing that John Hennessy, just a sophomore, is emerging as a star for Andover High. But there was a time during the fall when Hennessy worried if he would even be healthy for baseball season.

Warriors win one for their coach

Even without being at the game, Andover girls lacrosse coach John McVeigh made his presence felt yesterday afternoon against archrival North Andover.

"He was texting us on the way to the game, telling us what to look for, how he wanted us to play," said Andover tri-captain Kelly Driscoll. "He had us ready."

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.

Haverhill come back to beat Andover

Trailing by two, Haverhill pushed five runs across the plate in the bottom of the fourth on its way to a 7-5 win over Andover. Elizabeth Strong stroked a three-run double and freshman Jessica Johnson (2 for 3) added a two-run single in the big inning. Winning pitcher Alicia Briggs and Paige Johnson were both 2 for 3 and scored a run for the Hillies (7-2). Nina Yu had a pair of RBIs for Andover (3-6).

Top-ranked Tewksbury too much for Andover

ANDOVER | A Warrior "stinker," enhanced by a Tewksbury lineup laden with voracious bats, ended any chance of perfection in the Merrimack Valley Conference.

Ranked No. 1 in Eastern Mass, the Redmen took it to Andover from the opening pitch at Aumais Field, 12-4, handing the Warriors their first conference loss.

Andover strikes late, edges North Andover

After three tough quarters, it took just a moment for Andover to turn the tide.

Trailing by a goal heading into the fourth quarter, the Golden Warriors scored three times in under a minute and went on to down neighbor rival North Andover 7-4 last night.

Andover at top of its game

For decades now, the Andover baseball trademark has been quiet confidence.

The 2008 Warriors have added a chip to their wide shoulders. Through five games now, the bolstered formula has yielded more than just a modicum of success.

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."

Captain Courageous: Bruno overcomes collapsed lungs to lead powerhouse Andover volleyball

Andover volleyball standout Josh Bruno recognized the pain.

While playing a pickup volleyball game at the Wood Hill Middle School in February, Bruno began to feel intense pressure in his chest. He could then feel his breathing become short and labored.

Martin (3 homers, 7 RBIs) caps historic day

Andover senior Tricia Martin had a day for the record books yesterday in an improbable 11-9 victory over Chelmsford.

Martin crushed three home runs, including a three-run blast to win the game with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, was 5 for 5 overall and knocked in seven runs.

Central walks over Andover

Central Catholic was  the recipient of 17 walks from Andover pitching and cruised to a 13-5 win. The Raiders (2-1) had five hits, highlighted by Chelsey Guselli's three-run homer. Liz Habib earned the win. For Andover, Rachel Licciardi had two RBIs and Kerry McCarthy had two hits.

Heckendorn embraces English heritage

Like most high school seniors, Andover volleyball's John Henry Heckendorn is in the midst of choosing a college. But Heckendorn may be looking outside of the United States for his higher education.

Farnham looks to finish with a bang

While most of his teammates were warming up for the season with batting practice at local indoor baseball facilities, Andover's P.J. Farnham was preparing at a more high-profile location.

"I got to take batting practice down at the Red Sox (spring training) facility in Fort Myers," said Farnham. "It was amazing to be on the same field that the Red Sox use."

Yu catching onto new position

Andover's Nina Yu has found herself hobbled recently.

"I've been having a lot of problems with my knees," said the senior. "I've been in physical therapy to strengthen my quads. I've worked through it and now it's mainly just discomfort."

Pettoruto driven to become elite scholar-athlete

Kayley Pettoruto surprised even herself at All-States this winter.

"Last year I barely made the state cut in the 600," she said. "This season I placed fourth at All-States. That is a pretty big leap."
That fourth, in 1:37.14 while running in an unseeded heat, earned crucial points in helping Andover squeak past Newton South 36-32<1/2> for the All-State title.

Kung fu molds Costello on and off the track

Santi Costello's journey to becoming a track standout began unexpectedly.

"When I was 4 years old I got beaten up," he said. "My dad said, 'That's not going to happen again. You're going to learn how to defend yourself.'"

Hanson a rock for boys lacrosse

Andover lacrosse standout Peter Hanson did his best to stay modest.

"I do whatever I can to score depending on the situation," said the senior midfielder. "But we feel comfortable with anyone on the field taking the shot."

Injury can't stop Brown-bound Caro

Katelyn Caro knew something was wrong.

"During one of our playoff games my freshman season I collided with another player while on defense," she said. "I still had my hands on my stick, so I landed really hard on my shoulder. But I continued to play, and played the following game, which probably wasn't smart."

Andover Girls Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 21-2, lost Division 1 North semifinals

Returning starters (8): Ilana Cohen, Sr., midfield; Kelly Driscoll, Sr., midfield; Jordy Shoemaker, Sr., midfielder; Katelyn Caro, Sr., attack; Jess Forster, Sr., attack; Abby Cook, Jr., goalie; Catherine Gross, Jr., midfielder; Heather Sullivan, Jr., attack

Andover Softball Preview

2007 record: 8-12, didn't make state tourney

Returning starters (5): Kerry McCarthy, Jr., 1B; Tricia Martin, Sr., 2B; Nina Yu, Sr., C; Rachel Licciardi, Sr., SS; Alex Strock, Jr., 3B

Shea leads Warriors in season opener

Andover defeated Newton South 8-3 in the teams' season opener.

C.J. Shea scored two goals and assisted on one, while Brendan Hughes also added two scores. Peter Hanson had a goal and two assists.

Andover Baseball Preview

2007 record: 14-8, lost in Division 1 North quarterfinals

Returning starters (4): Mike Taylor, Sr., 2B; P.J. Farnham, Sr., CF; Sam Clark, Sr., 1B; John Hennessy, Soph., SS

Andover Boys Lacrosse Preview

2007 record: 16-5, lost Division 1 East semifinals

Returning starters (6): Nick Reeder, Sr., goalie; Peter Hanson, Sr., midfield; Brendan Hughes, Sr., midfield; Matt Rayner, Sr., defense; Joe Lamagna, Jr., attack; Tripp Stevens, Sr., defense

Andover's McNally receives state honors

Brian McNally, co-director of athletics at Andover High School, received the 2008 State Award of Merit by the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors Association on Wednesday.

McNally is a 27-year educator and a 19-year veteran of athletic administration with three school systems. Prior to Andover he was athletic director at North Andover High then Lexington High. In addition to his athletic administration duties at Andover, he is also the coordinator of physical education. A longtime resident of Derry, N.H., he is a certified coaching education instructor.

Some nights, the ball just doesn’t fall

WORCESTER | The 15 points at halftime were a dead giveaway.

Andover High's bread-and-butter, the long-range jumper, had deserted the Golden Warriors in the biggest game of the year, last night's Division 1 state final with Northampton.

Andover misses mark in final

WORCESTER, Mass. | Andover's Ilana Cohen worked hard to keep a smile on her face as she consoled a few of her emotional teammates last night.

"We have to remember that it was still a great run," said the senior. "But this is sure a tough way to see it all end, especially for the seniors."

Andover cheerleaders spell S-U-C-C-E-S-S in pulling off a school first

The Andover High girl's basketball team isn't the school's only winner these days.

For the first time in school history, Andover High's varsity cheerleading team has earned a bid to compete in a national cheerleading competition.

Cardio Kids: Andover's Hughes, Renfro and Thomann need no rest

ANDOVER | Even though it was only two days before the Division 1 state championship, the Andover girls basketball team was still running yesterday.

"If we miss foul shots in practice we have to run a lot," said senior Laura Renfro. "Today, for example, we missed a lot of foul shots, so we had to run."

Andover, New Bedford mirror images of each other

On different days this week, veteran Northampton girls coach Tom Parent and Andover's Jim Tildsley, who will face each other at the DCU Center in Worcester in the Division 1 state finals at 5:45 p.m. tomorrow, had exactly the same feeling.

For Thomann, a shot at redemption

Every great shooter goes through slumps from time to time. Before last night, Andover's Meghan Thomann was mired in one.

"It gets kind of frustrating," she said. "I've always been taught to keep shooting. (Coach Jim) Tildsley will kill me if I don't keep shooting. You just have to keep shooting, and they'll fall."

Supersub Cohen does everything she's asked .... and more

Ilana Cohen wasted no time making her mark.

Normally the sixth man, the senior was rewarded with the start at point guard last night. She responded by knocking down a 3-pointer from the corner to help spark Andover's 12-2 run that opened the game and put the Golden Warriors ahead of New Bedford to stay.

Hot-shooting Andover harpoons Whalers, earn berth in state final

The friendly confines of the TD Banknorth Garden?

That's the way it looked for the Andover High girls basketball team last night as it romped past New Bedford 61-34 in the EMass. finals to advance to Saturday's Division 1 state final at the DCU Center in Worcester (5:45 p.m.). It will face the winner of tonight's Westboro-Northampton game.

New Bedford stands in Andover's way

Mickey Gonsalves learned a lot from Andover's Jim Loscutoff. The burly ex-Celtic, Gonsalves' coach at Boston State from 1975 to 1977, displayed a surprising duality on the bench.

"He was a gentle man," Gonsalves said. "But if you struck a nerve, wow, he could be intimidating."

Hughes relishing final shot

LOWELL | "Can you hold this for a second?"

Lauren Hughes smiled and passed the Division 1 North trophy to her sister, Samantha.

Finally, the 5-foot-9 senior forward can give it back to big sis.

Five years after Samantha's three-point play with about a second left gave Andover a Division 1 state championship, the Golden Warriors are on the cusp of an Eastern Massachusetts title. And once again, a Hughes is leading the way.

THE BEAT GOES ON : Andover sprints past Central to punch its ticket to the Garden

LOWELL | Even normally vocal Andover forward Camille Fantini was at a loss for words.

“I can’t even describe the feeling,” said the senior. “This is what we have worked towards for four years and it is finally here. Now we have to keep doing our thing.”

Precocious freshmen playing key roles for Andover, Central

At age 7, Gabie Polce belted out the Star Spangled Banner at a Lowell Spinners game.

She claims neither the tryout process nor the actual performance frayed her nerves.

"After, it was a huge rush," she said. "I ran to my mom crying."

Nick of time: Andover's Drew wows in only season as starter

WOBURN | Despite the result Sunday evening, Andover's players were still quick to skate onto the ice and congratulate their goalie, Nick Drew, on his outstanding performance.

"Nicky played incredible," said Andover captain John Hyslip. "He kept us in this game and kept us in this season. He was amazing."

Doing it for dad: Inspired by her father, Andover's Muccio stands out on track

In her stance, just before the gun sounded to start the 55-meter dash at the Massachusetts Division 1 State Meet on Sunday, Christina Muccio looked down at her right hand and the letters "FPM" as she has done before every race of her varsity career.

For Fantini, it must be the shoes

The sneakers are fire-truck red. Adidas high-tops with patent leather trim, to be exact.

When Camille Fantini laced them up before practice Monday, something happened.

"I'd never run so fast," she said.

Andover gets its revenge on Lowell

The third time may be a charm, but it's hardly what lifted Andover to a convincing 44-34 victory over a flustered Lowell team last night in a much-anticipated Division 1 North semifinal clash.

The Golden Warriors (21-3), who fell to Lowell in the semis the last two years, beat the Red Raiders at their own game, right around the basket, as well as all other facets of the game. As a result, they advance to Saturday's 5:45 p.m. sectional championship game against archrival Central Catholic at the Tsongas Arena.

Andover girls falls short in shootout

WATERTOWN | For the second day in a row, a shootout doomed Andover hockey.

The Golden Warriors allowed the tying goal with less than a minute to go in regulation, and like the Andover boys a day earlier came up short in the shootout and fell to Woburn 3-2 in the Division 1 quarterfinals.

Andover blanked in shootout, eliminated from tourney

WOBURN | Andover captain John Hyslip did his best to look on the bright side.

"I think we played great tonight," said the senior, holding back his emotion. "Both teams played great and I am very proud of this team. The young kids stepped up and we played together."

Andover steamrolls Malden to earn another shot at Lowell

The high-octane offense and outside shooting of Andover basketball were on display again last night as the Golden Warriors moved on in the Division 1 North tournament with a 71-37 win over Malden.

For the Warriors, their attention now turns to their semifinal matchup with Lowell, which advanced with a 61-45 win over Methuen. In three contests this season the Warriors have a 2-1 edge over the Red Raiders, winning the last contest 36-34, and a similar defensive battle is anticipated.

Frigid Andover takes Classical fall

At some point, you have to put the ball in the basket or you just won't win.

It's a season-long lesson that stung Andover High one final time last night as Lynn Classical downed the Golden Warriors in the Division 1 North tourney opener, 53-44.

Golden Warriors romp in tourney tuneup

One might wonder what the Andover girls basketball team gained from last night's 61-32 first round Division 1 North rout of Medford.

After all, the Golden Warriors (19-3) zoomed to a commanding 26-5 lead in the first quarter, forcing 13 turnovers, and never had a problem with the Mustangs. After that, the starters only played in spurts and they were far from sharp in the second half as head coach Jim Tildsley substituted freely.

Andover shut out of league title

Andover missed a chance to capture its first Merrimack Valley Conference/Dual County League Division 1 title, losing to Westford Academy 2-0 last night.

"Tonight is very disappointing," said Andover coach Mario Martiniello. "We have had a great season, but to lose like this with the league and Super 8 on the line, its hard to feel good about."

Tie elminates Central Catholic, delays Andover's title hopes

There was no celebration in the locker rooms last night. "There was a lot of emotion on both sides," said Andover coach Mario Martiniello. "Both teams had a goal they wanted to accomplish. There were a couple breakdowns and both teams took a few tough penalties."

Siblings in the crease: Pettorutos excel in net for Prep, Andover

Siblings Kyle and Megan Pettoruto admit that they don't talk about playing goalie too much anymore.

"I used to try to give her advice," said Kyle. "But she thinks I'm too harsh on her, so I had to lay off."

Andover rallies to down Central, earn share of MVC title

LAWRENCE | Andover overcame a seven-point halftime to defeat Central Catholic 55-42. The win moved Andover to a 12-1 league record and gave the Golden Warriors a share of the Merrimack Valley Conference championship with 12-1 Lowell.

Andover on the fast track

For a second-year wrestler, you couldn't ask more of Andover senior Tom Paolera. A 125-pounder, he's compiled | at last check | a 25-4 record, including 8-3 on the varsity level. "He's had a great season for us," said Andover coach Sobhan Namvar, who started the program as a club team last year and now has his wrestlers competing at both the JV (predominantly) and varsity levels. "He just keeps getting better and better."

Andover 'D' overwhelms Pentucket

ANDOVER | Andover High coach Jim Tildsley was quick to note the key to victory last night.

"We played great defense," said Tildsley. "To hold a team to 16 points through three quarters is pretty impressive. And they scored eight points right away."

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.

Andover prevails in low-scoring struggle

After splitting a pair of battles this season, Andover and Lowell, the two brightest lights in the Merrimack Valley Conference galaxy, hit the Dunn Gym last night and threw massive amounts of defense at each other.

Central rolls past Andover

LAWRENCE | In a rare in-game meeting between opposing head coaches, Andover's Dave Fazio smiled and gave Central Catholic's Rick Nault a playful shove.

"I thought I had you," Fazio said.

It was late in the third quarter, and the Raiders had just crushed any hope of a full Golden Warriors comeback. Andover, Fazio conceded, just didn't have enough to stay with Central.

Gomez-Martinez on point for Andover

ANDOVER | Natalie Gomez-Martinez knew she messed up. With Andover putting the finishing touches on a 69-61 win over Central Catholic, she committed a foul she shouldn't have.

Arms up and incredulous, she turned to face Andover coach Jim Tildsley, who seemed to share the same emotion.

Hyslip scores 100th

Andover center John Hyslip met the milestone in style.

"It was on the power play," he said. "We walked it out of the corner and I snuck it five-hole. I thought I was still one point off."

That goal during the Golden Warriors' 4-0 win over Wakefield last Wednesday gave Hyslip 100 for his career. He became the second player in as many years to reach the century mark, after Tucker Mullin a year ago.

Renfro Williams bound

Andover senior Laura Renfro will attend Williams College, a NESCAC school noted for its high academic standards.

"We're very, very happy she's going there," said Tildsley, whose daughter Kaylan, a former Eagle-Tribune basketball and lacrosse All-Star, also attended Williams. "She really wanted the academics. She's had a great year for us."

Savvy Hughes making a name for herself

From her fifth-row seat at the Worcester Centrum, Lauren Hughes watched her sister Samantha sink the biggest free throw in Andover basketball history.

Five years later, Lauren is still hearing about it.

Shannon, Andover overpower Lawrence

LAWRENCE | Tristian Shannon's nose must be made of iron.

With 6:42 remaining in the fourth quarter, he got whacked in the face, but still made a driving layup to extend an already sizable Andover lead.

Hyslip scores 100th point

John Hyslip had a goal and an assist, reaching 100 points for his career and leading Andover to a 4-0 victory over Wakefield. Paul Russell added two goals and Nick Drew made 15 saves for the winners.