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FITCHBURG — For awhile last night, about 60 miles away from home, it appears the Andover High girls volleyball team was going to shock the state's volleyball hierarchy.

They won the first game, easily, over Newton North, 25-12. It took a two games to one lead after an exciting 25-20 win in Game 3. And then, in Game 4, Andover jumped ahead 7-2 in the potential clincher.

NEWTON — The third time was not the charm for the Methuen softball team yesterday. The Rangers saw their season ended by Newton North for the third year in a row, this time by a 3-1 score in the Division 1 North quarterfinals. “Maybe we can get on the other side of the bracket next year,” mused Methuen coach Jason Smith, whose club concluded a terrific season with a 17-4 record. “It’s a little disheartening.” Newton North sophomore Gabby Vachon threw a three-hitter while striking out seven to pick up the win. Methuen’s only run was unearned, coming in the fifth inning. Kayleigh Forgetta pitched well for Methuen but Newton North, which collected nine hits, got all the runs it needed in the bottom of the first on a two-run homer by senior Kate Ainger. Heather McLaughlin played well defensively at first base for Methuen and threw out a runner at the plate and Kelly Blackwell shined at third while going 1 for 3. Amanda Conway and Kayla Potter had Methuen’s other hits. With the majority of the team returning next year, Smith knows that the potential is there to take the next step. “This hurts now, but we have a great core coming back,” said Smith. “We just need to keep getting better so we can go beyond this point next year.”

ANDOVER — With the clock running down and the game on the line, Caroline Hughes knew her job.

Attack the net.

“I was just crashing the net hoping for an opportunity,” said Hughes. “We are always told to crash and net and look for rebounds.

Chrissy Scionti threw a nifty two-hitter and gave up only one earned run, but Methuen's bats were silent in a 2-0 first-round tournament loss to Newtion North.

Andover's boys gymnastic team routed Nashua South and Nashua North 150.2-107.9-105.5, placing in the top three in every event. Brian Manning (42.5) and Joseph Aronov (38.6) went one-two in the all-around for the Warriors (5-1).

LAWRENCE — Even after a slew of unforced errors left Andover on the brink of elimination, the Golden Warriors didn't easily surrender their unbeaten campaign.

But despite hanging with second-ranked Newton North in the Division 1 semifinals, Andover saw its season-long 23-match winning streak come to a slamming halt last night at Lawrence High School. The Tigers (22-1) posted their 17th shutout of the season, knocking off the Warriors 25-19, 25-22, 25-20.

Newton North just needed one big inning to top Methuen, 5-1, and advance in the Division 1 North tourney. Jessica Rader stroked a triple and scored the Rangers' lone run on a wild pitch. Courtney Bradley also tripled while freshman Angelina Correia doubled.

Newton North 9, Haverhill 6 Division 1 East Preliminary Records: Haverhill 13-6, Newton North 14-4

Andover's Cody Flaherty won the all-around (45.9) to lead the Golden Warriors (161.4 points) in a sweep of

Newton South and Newton North.

Joe Bramanti poured in 38 points, including converting 17 free throws, to lead Andover boys basketball to a 75-66 victory over Newton North at the BC High tourney.