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Lawrence's season ended with a state semifinal loss, but the Lancers still piled up some amazing numbers during their 23-2 season. Here are a few of the most significant: • A 21-match winning streak in which it outscored opponents by a 63-9 margin. • Posted 16 shutouts • Entered last night's match having defeated its previous 13 opponents by a combinied 39-2 with 11 shutouts. "This season meant a lot to all of us," coach Tony Hajjar said of his 16th season. "It was definitely a good season. It was definitely one of my most special teams."

Salem boys volleyball is the champion again ... and the Blue Devils won their ninth straight state title shorthanded. 

Eric Denning recorded 15 and three blocks while Andrew Ruffen had 37 assists, four aces and eight digs to lead Salem over Pinkerton 3-1 in the Division 1 boys volleyball semifinals. 

Danny Nugent added eight kills and Steve Nugent had seven kills for top-seeded Salem which will square off against Windham in the finals Saturday at 6 p.m. at Pinkerton Academy. 

LAWRENCE — There was nothing ambiguous about Lawrence's mission objective and only one season outcome would satisfy the Lancers.

"Our goal was to win states," junior hitter Christian Taveras said. "Right from Day 1. We knew we had the potential. We just had to work for it."

Justin Scott and Zach Sanford hammered home 16 kills apiece as Pinkerton raced past John Stark, 3-0, in opening round volleyball action.

Justin Scott and Zach Sanford hammered home 16 kills apiece as Pinkerton raced past John Stark, 3-0, in opening round volleyball action.

Unbeaten Salem downed Hollis-Brookline 25-10, 25-11, 24-26 and 25-21 to advance to the semifinals. Patrick Frydryck (13) and Eric Denning (10) combined for 23 kills and Andrew Ruffen had 31 assists.

LAWRENCE — Having won 21 of 22, including each of the previous 19, Lawrence has faced little adversity on a volleyball court this season.

But that doesn't mean the Lancers don't know how to respond when put to the test.

No. 1 seed Lawrence had no trouble in the North volleyball quarterfinals. blasting Arlington in three games. Anibal Henriquez led a balanced attack with 12 kills. The Lancers (21-1) will have a tougher assignment tomorrow when they host defending state champion Cambridge Rindge & Latin at 7 p.m.

Anibal Henriquez tallied 11 kills, 10 service points and five aces as top-seeded Lawrence made quick work of No. 16 Lowell with a 25-18, 25-12, 25-23 victory in the first round of the Division 1 North tourney. Twin brother Jeyson Henriquez added 12 kills for the Lancers, who will host No. 9 Arlington in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 3 p.m.