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Pamela Castro was promoted from JV for yesterday's Greater Lawrence volleyball match because of an absence and injury. Castro was all over the court making plays. She finished with eight assists and nine digs as the Reggies won 3-2 over Lowell Catholic.

The Greater Lawrence boys cross country team won its 19th straight dual meet over three years, 16-47 over Lowell Catholic. Junior Yosvaldy Tejeda was first, breakibng his own home course record with a 16:22 for 3.06 miles.

WESTFORD — As little as three weeks ago, Whittier had an open weekend on its schedule. Lowell Catholic wishes the Wildcats had looked elsewhere to fill the void. Forced to play at Westford Academy because of EEE concerns in Haverhill, Whittier relied on its rushing attack to roll past the Crusaders for a 30-0 nonconference victory last night. "We scheduled this about two weeks ago," Whittier coach Kevin Bradley said. "I looked on the MIAA web site and (the Crusaders) were there. They said 'Sure, let's play.' " The Wildcats (2-1) were the only ones having fun, however, as Sidney Taylor and Scott Bonneau scored on 51 and 47 yard runs, respectively, providing a 16-0 first-quarter lead. Jesus Sanchez, who scored a conversion run after Taylor's touchdown, ignited a 14-point third-quarter attack with a 17-yard run followed by another conversion for a 24-0 advantage with 7:11 left. But that trio was only part of Whittier's 15-man rushing attack that compiled 262 yards on 39 carries. "We have the ability to be explosive, but then we shoot ourselves in the foot," Kevin Bradley said, alluding to his squad's seven penalties. "But we're still young. Bonneau is the only senior that carried the ball." Fending off Crusaders: Lowell Catholic couldn't complain about field position last night as the Crusaders began four of their first eight possessions in Whittier territory. In fact, only two of their nine possessions began farther than 60 yards from the end zone. Whittier, however, shut down the Crusaders, allowing only 97 total yards — 47 on two plays. The Wildcats had fumble recoveries by Jake McCartney and Zach Zullo and interceptions from Mitchell Censullo, Joshua Barton and Richard Vazquez. Taylor and Kris Cole each posted a sack. "That defense is strong," Whittier coach Kevin Bradley said. "Thery're gelling and starting to believe in themselves. Our goal is to put pressure on the quarterback, especially with the spread teams. We're trying to make them throw the ball quick. That's our philosophy. And what I like from our (defensive backs) is they go after the ball." Finishing by air: Whittier closed out its scoring with a 22-yard scoring pass from Connor Bradley to Jaylin Deveau, the same pair that connected for the conversion after Bonneau's long TD run. "We're getting more experience and working hard in practice," Sanchez said. "After that (season-opening) loss (to Austin Prep) everyone wants to win now ... We're starting to move the ball better. We're getting the outside sweeps going and the inside game is good, too."

Georgetown baseball was the EMass Division 4 champion last year but it won’t repeat this spring. The Royals ran into a hot Lowell Catholic pitcher, Liam Coughlin, and dropped their Division 4 North semifinal 3-1 yesterday at Fraser Field in Lynn. Junior pitcher Pat Slack started for Georgetown and went 4.0 innings, allowing just one run. Dave Ingraham relieved Slack but struggled with his control. “We made a pitching change to change up some speeds (between the two pitchers),” Georgetown coach Justin Spurr said. “It had been successful all year but for some reason Dave wasn’t adjusting to the mound where his foot was landing.” Ingraham allowed two runs in the fifth. Freshman Mike Goddu accounted for the Royals’ lone run, stroking an RBI single to right field in the second inning. It gave Georgetown a 1-0 lead. “I’m thrilled with the year,” Spurr said. “We had a great group of kids. We had five all-league players. “We had some strikeouts in key situations today,” Spurr added about his offense.

Without senior captain and key singles player Ryan Barrows, who missed the meet with an illness, No. 6 North Reading beat No. 11 Lowell Catholic in the Division 3 North first round. The Hornets will travel to face No. 3 Weston Monday at 3:30 p.m.

Andrew Wells delivered his 20th career complete-game, striking out 11, to help lead Whittier past Lowell Catholic, 4-3. Wells helped himself as well, going 3 for 3 and driving in a key run.

HAVERHILL – Kayla Riley got knocked down hard a couple times earlier in the game, but when it mattered most, the Whittier sophomore was the one knocking down free throws.

Ryan Browner threw a complete game two-hitter and also hit a solo homer in fourth inning as No. 10-seeded Georgetown baseball posted a 2-0 upset over second-seeded Lowell Catholic in the Division 4 North quarterfinals.

Andrew Wells hit a lined shot past the shortstop with one out in the seventh inning to score Connor Manning with the game-winner as Whittier turned aside Lowell Catholic, 2-1.  Manning came in to run for Devan Doucette, who led off the inning with a walk.

Cam Menter and Dan Smith notched a big 6-3, 6-4 win at first singles to highlight Haverhill's 4-1 win over Lowell Catholic.