RallyNorth.net

LAWRENCE — Two of the tallest local volleyball programsCentral Catholic and Methuen — who have a combined five key players who are6-feet or more — faced each other in a Division 1 North semifinal yesterday.

Methuen wanted a third shot at unbeaten Central Catholic but had to earn it last night in the Division 1 North volleyball quarterfinals.
On the road at Peabody, the Rangers were forced to shake off some early nerves but still managed to tame the Tanners in three straight, 25-21, 27-25 and 25-12.
"We started a little slow and we actually were down 24-22 in game 2," said Ranger coach Matt Twomey. "Once we settled down with our passing and defense, they really couldn't keep up with us."
Rashidat Agboola was all over the net with 15 kills and seven blocks. Courtney Murach and Ashley Leblanc, who laced a career-best eight kills anchored the front for the Rangers.
Thursday, Methuen gets a third shot at the 19-0 Raiders at Central.

Courtney Murach led Methuen in both kills (18) and service points (16) as the Rangers downed Dracut 26-24, 25-20 and 25-17 to clinch their fourth-straight MVC Division 2 Championship. Elaina Guzman added 33 assists for Methuen and Caitlyn Berube totaled 20 digs. 

Methuen ended a 10 year drought, beating rival Chelmsford 3 games to 1 on senior night. Methuen coach Matt Twomey said "they battled hard all night and the seniors stepped up to have big nights." Twomey added, senior Rashidat Agboola had 21 kills, and was only blocked once all night. Senior Catilin Berube had 28 digs and senior Elaina Guzman had a big night with 41 assists.

Trailing twice in the decisive fifth game, Methuen's volleyball squad responded to prevail against Dracut and forge a tie at the top of the MVC's Division 2, each at 7-4. Elaine Guzman (16 service points) erased a three-point deficit with her serving while four straight points from sophomore Courtney Bradley and continued quality net play from Rashidat Agboola (18 kills) completed the comeback.

LAWRENCE — Even for an early-season, non-league matchup, Central Catholic knew how to control a playoff-type atmosphere.

Rival Methuen providing a noisy majority of the 250 fans in the Central stands, but the Raiders had their hands on the volume control for most of the night. Using quick starts to take charge and effective team play to maintain control, Central corralled a 25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-17 victory to stay unbeaten at 4-0.