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DERRY, N.H. — As has become customary, undefeated Salem will compete for its fifth straight crown after downing a feisty Keene squad, 25-18, 25-14, 24-26, 25-20 in the semifinals Tuesday night at Pinkerton Academy.

DERRY, N.H. — As has become customary, undefeated Salem will compete for its fifth straight crown after downing a feisty Keene squad, 25-18, 25-14, 24-26, 25-20 in the semifinals Tuesday night at Pinkerton Academy.

Salem's Becca Weiss recorded her 500th career service point in a 25-13, 25-16, 25-12 win over Keene. Weiss hit 20 points along with 8 aces. Amanda Saab (5 aces 4 kills) and Melissa Paris (8 digs) also stood out.

Jen Azarian did the honors, scoring a goal late in the first half to lift Salem field hockey over Keene, 1-0, in the first round of the Class L tournament. The No. 6 Blue Devils visit No. 3 Exeter for a quarterfinal-matchup Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Dan Tiner was the story leading Salem over Keene. Tiner finished with 16 kills, nine service points and seven digs as Salem remained undefeated.

Breaking through

After 14 straight losses to Keene, Timberlane's boys volleyball team finally broke through and defeated their western New Hampshire opponent for the first time in school history. Conor Dube had 10 service points and 31 assists for the Owls (4-2)

Ashlynn Moerloss scored two goals to insure Salem field hockey coach Carol Merchant would get a big win for her 40th birthday. The victory solidified the 6-0-1 Blue Devils narrow lead in Class L over once-beaten Londonderry, Exeter, Merrimack, Timberlane, Pinkerton and Concord.

Sisters Mackenzie and Meg Jackson scored a goal apiece en route to Timberlane's second win of the season. Christa Laycock scored the third Timberlane goal, and both Laycock and Marci Franceour registered assists. Jess Barrett finished with seven saves while her Keene counterpart had 14.

Although Keene put forward a very respectable effort, Timberlane was able to come away with the win in spite of trailing after three sets. Stephanie Markarian had eight points, six aces and five kills while Julie Biorn finished with 12 points, three aces and 12 digs. Christine Robichaud led the way passing with 14 assists.

Salem won its 79th match in a row after handling Keene, 25-3, 25-8, 25-17. Dan Tiner had 14 kills and eight blocks to lead the Blue Devils (5-0) and Chris Barnes had an oustanding game with 31 assists, seven kills and four blocks.