RallyNorth.net

NASHUA — There were years the state title felt tantalizingly close, but just out of reach.

Other years, the title trophy felt like it was a million miles away.

But impossible? Timberlane coach John Dube never allowed those words of hopelessness to seep in during the decade-long wait.

Salem flexed its muscles with a 3-0 win over Windham in the state semis.

Pat Frydryck had 11 kills, Colton Burnham 9 kills, Matt LaVasseur 9 kills and Reed Grubbs added 35 assists and 13 service points for the unbeaten 10-team defending state champs.

Colton Burnham, Matt LaVasseur, Brandon Lacroix and Timothy Dodier all had eight kills and Salem swept Bishop Guertin in the quarterfinals to improve to 17-0. Those four did the job but they didn't even lead in kills: Pat Frydryck had 11. 

Colton Burnham, Matt LaVasseur, Brandon Lacroix and Timothy Dodier all had eight kills and Salem swept Bishop Guertin in the quarterfinals to improve to 17-0. Those four did the job but they didn't even lead in kills: Pat Frydryck had 11. 

Colton Burnham, Matt LaVasseur, Brandon Lacroix and Timothy Dodier all had eight kills and Salem swept Bishop Guertin in the quarterfinals to improve to 17-0. Those four did the job but they didn't even lead in kills: Pat Frydryck had 11. 

Salem's volleyball team ended the regular season unbeaten (16-0) with a sweep of Goffstown. Matt LaVasseur had 8 kills, 6 blocks, 6 service points and 4 aces to lead the Blue Devils and Reed Grubbs had 23 assists. 

Colton Burnham celebrated his birthday by leading Salem past Pinkerton 3-0. Burnham had 15 kills while Matt Lavasseur and Pat Frydryck added 9 each for the 15-0 Blue Devils.

Salem's volleyball team blanked Dover in straight games to remain unbeaten at 13-0. Matt Lavasseur and Pat Frydryck both had nine kills for the Blue Devils.

Timberlane's Phil Balanoff recorded 50 assists and 16 service points, but unbeaten Salem was able to hold on for a tight  25-23, 25-19, 17-25, 18-25, 16-14. Reid Grubbs had 38 assists for the Blue Devils.

Unbeaten defending state champion Salem won in straight games over Windham, but the Jaguars provided a good test, losing the final two games 28-26 and 25-23. Pat Frydryck led the Blue Devils (4-0) with 14 kills and Colton Burnham added 10.