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Will Eikenberry's third goal of the game brought Andover to within one, with 10 minutes remaining. But that was as close as the No. 11 Golden Warriors would come in a 10-6 loss to No. 6 Needham, in yesterday's Division 1 East action.

Methuen, in a battle of teams battling to make the tournament, defeated Needham 50-45, holding the host team to five points in the fourth quarter. Amanda Petrow had a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Rangers (8-9) and Beka Costa played an excellent all-around game.

Brandon Walsh's offense took pressure off his pitching in North Andover's 11-4 victory over Needham. The junior clubbed a three-run homer as part of a five-run first inning and followed that with a double that was close to leaving the park. Timely double plays triggered by Griffin Coakley and Cam Couillard quelled a couple of Needham threats.

Central Catholic scored at least two runs in every inning in a 15-7 win over Needham. Zach Bardwell and Karl Mann were both 3 for 4, Collin Walsh was 2 for 3 wth three RBIs and Dan Shields was 2 for 2 and pitched well in relief for the Raiders (1-1). "It was nice to see us break out," said Central coach Marc Pelletier.

Up against one of the top teams in the state, Jill Beueler shined in net for Andover despite an 8-7 loss to Needham, which scored with just 40 seconds left in regulation for the win.

Central Catholic had to switch out their usual aluminum bats for wood because they were facing Bay State foe Neeham, but it clearly didn't have a negative effect on Tim Wheeler's performance. Wheeler had a two-run infield double thanks to some nasty wind and also cracked a sacrifice fly for an insurance run in the Raiders' 5-2 win.

Central Catholic had to switch out their usual aluminum bats for wood because they were facing Bay State foe Neeham, but it clearly didn't have a negative effect on Tim Wheeler's performance. Wheeler had a two-run infield double thanks to some nasty wind and also cracked a sacrifice fly for an insurance run in the Raiders' 5-2 win.

Nina Yu scored two goals for the first time on the season, leading Andover to a 3-2 victory over Needham in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 North tourney.

Sarah Oteri added a goal and an assist while Nicole Gagnon and Leah Cairns each had an assist. Catherine Gross and Abby Cook stood out on defense for the Golden Warriors, who face Acton-Boxboro at North Andover tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the semifinals.