Postseason action is returning to the Merrimack Valley.
The MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) released its state tournament pairings for baseball, softball and boys and girls lacrosse on Wednesday, and plenty of local squads are dreaming of a championship run.
“Everyone is extremely excited about the postseason, and they understand that nothing comes easy,” said Central Catholic girls lacrosse coach Vanessa Pino. “The girls all have one goal, but with that, they know they need to continue to motivate each other.”
Central girls lacrosse is the top seed in Division 1, after surging through the regular season at 19-2. Joining the Raiders are No. 6 North Andover (14-6) and No. 7 Andover (9-10) on the other side of the bracket, while No. 28 Haverhill (12-4) is on Central’s side. In Division 2, Methuen is the No. 27 seed (11-9).
“We know how to prepare ourselves physically and mentally,” said Pino. “Losing in the Elite 8 (quarterfinals) the last two years has been a huge motivator for us, especially since last year was a close game.”
Central Catholic is also near the top of the Division 1 softball bracket. The defending Division 1 finalists (16-2) are seeded No. 2.
“The girls are excited to get started,” said coach Stacy Ciccolo. “Our junior and senior classes went on quite a run last year, and are excited to get started and give it everything we’ve got this year.”
A win in the Round of 32 for No. 6 North Andover (18-2) and No. 11 Methuen (11-9) would set up a Round of 16 clash between the two MVC rivals. The winner of that game could potentially face Central in the semifinals.
“They all know that the record doesn’t matter anymore and the goal is to win our next game,” said North Andover head coach Cait Flanagan. “Our lineup has the potential to be fierce all the way through, so hopefully that carries us.”
Also alive in softball in Division 1 are No. 17 Whittier (17-3) and No. 23 Andover (10-10). Greater Lawrence (14-6) is No. 33 in Division 3.
“The team is very excited to be competing in Division 1,” said Whittier coach Cheryl Begin. “We plan on bringing a good mindset and consistent softball to each game we play in. We are proud of our seeding for our first time in Division 1.”
A year after missing the tournament, North Andover (16-6) leads the locals in baseball, seeded No. 9.
“There is nothing better than playoff baseball,” said Knights coach Todd Dulin. “The guys were checking the MIAA site all day waiting to see the pairing. They fought hard through the regular season. Most of our games were really close and this gives us some confidence going into the tournament.”
Also in the baseball field are No. 17 Andover (13-7), No. 18 Lawrence (12-8), No. 23 Central Catholic (12-10) and first round opponents No. 27 Haverhill (11-9) and No. 38 Whittier (10-10), who will clash on Saturday in Tewksbury.
In boys lacrosse, No. 6 Andover (11-3) leads the way in Division 1, followed by No. 15 Central Catholic (9-8) and No. 25 Haverhill (13-3).
Division 2 features No. 24 North Andover (6-12), Methuen is No. 35 (9-7) and Whittier is No. 36 (13-5).
“We play the fifth strongest schedule in the state for a reason … for tournament games like this one vs. the 9 seed!” said North Andover coach Steve Zella. “We are battle-tested and fired up to go out to Westfield High and hopefully come back home with an upset.”
Added Methuen coach Chris Vrana: “We could potentially set school records with our tournament opener — first ever 10-win season, and first ever playoff win! We’re pumped and focused.”
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