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Salem's volleyball team won its 10th straight state title, defeating Timberlane 3-1.

NASHUA —  Just as the ball fell to the floor for the clinching point of the match, Timberlane’s Mike Murphy exploded with emotion, sprinting a lap around half court before joining his teammates.

Behind 10 kills from Cam Todd, 26 assists from Phil Balanoff and eight digs from Cam Donnelly, Timberlane blitzed Hollis-Brookline 25-20, 25-13, 25-21 to advance to the semifinals.

Pinkerton snapped Salem's 54-match win streak in its last outing but yesterday it was Timberlane with the 3-1 win over the Astros. Cam Todd had 22 kills and Matt Duhamel 10 blocks for the Owls.

Haverhill's volleyball team avenged an early-season loss to Timberlane with a 3-0 sweep and, in so doing, qualified for the tournament. Connor Peterson had 38 assists and 10 digs for the Hillies (9-6) and Chris Tompkins had 12 kills.  

Junior Phil Balanoff led Timberlane in assists (30), service points and digs as the Owls blanked Souhegan. Mike Murphy led Timberlane (5-3) in kills and blocks.

The only team ever to beat Salem in its nine-year history nearly did it again. But the nine-time defending state champs survived Timberlane in a wild match 25-20, 27-29, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12. Zach Demers' serving in the fifth game and the all-around play of Pat Frydryck (27 kills) saved Salem. Cam Todd had 25 kills for the Owls.

The only team ever to beat Salem in its nine-year history nearly did it again. But the nine-time defending state champs survived Timberlane in a wild match 25-20, 27-29, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12. Zach Demers' serving in the fifth game and the all-around play of Pat Frydryck (27 kills) saved Salem. Cam Todd had 25 kills for the Owls.