Newton North’s Luke Westman is considered one of the best volleyball players in the state.
After delivering a season-high 24 kills in a 3-0 win over Newton South Sunday in the South Sectional championship in Quincy (25-18, 25-19, 25-22), the senior proved to be extraordinary. At least that is what Tigers coach Richard Barton said about the Bay State Conference All-Star.
“Luke is one of those Larry Bird-like people that sees everything,’’ said Barton. “He can do every skill and he is a Division 1-level setter who wants to hit. When anything starts to go astray he’s the one that makes the plan.’’
The third set was a big test for the Tigers (19-1), who lost All-Star Michael Thorpe after a bad landing at the net, injuring his right ankle. Thorpe (8 kills, 2 block kills) also entered the match with a pulled hamstring.
“With Mike going down in the third game, we didn’t expect that, but we have so many kids on this team who can set, who can hit, and who can play multiple positions,’’ said Westman.
An early deficit didn’t shake the Tigers. Westman took charge and dispensed seven hits, even tipping in game point, 25-22.
“They weren’t nervous,’’ said Barton, who admitted he was a bit anxious. “They’re the most independent team I’ve ever coached.’’
Playing without injured starter Eric Hollenberg, the Tigers still came out strong in the opening game with Westman producing seven hits to open a 17-12 lead, and settling game point, 25-18, after hitting past a double block.
Newton North overcame a 4-point deficit in the second set with Westman delivering four consecutive hits for a 16-12 lead, as he and senior hitter Tim Stanton leaped at the net to drill down game point, 25-19.
Korey Mui contributed six kills and Kevin Fitzgerald chipped in three block kills.
“This game set the bar [for the tournament] because we’ve struggled toward the end of the season. This is the first game in awhile that we put three solid games together,’’ said Westman.
Newton South finished 16-7.
Baseball
Division 1 North
Malden 3, Cambridge 1 - Bradley Applin pitched nine innings, allowing only two hits with 18 strikeouts for the Golden Tornadoes. Nick Powers had an RBI triple in the sixth to drive in the winning run and Johnny Willcox collected two hits, two stolen bases, and a run.
Lynn English 5, Peabody 1 - Senior Matt Burnham went nine innings, allowing one run on seven hits, while walking two and striking out two. Joshue Perez led the Bulldogs at the plate with three hits and two RBIs.
St. John’s Prep 5, Newton South 2 - Rob DiFranco pitched seven innings, allowing five hits, with six strikeouts and two walks for the Eagles.
Division 3 North
Lynnfield 2, Stoneham 1 - Carmine DiCesare had a single in the bottom of the sixth to drive home the winning run.
North Reading 6, Bedford 0 - Ryley Warnock pitched a complete game, allowing only one hit for the Hornets. Carl Boucher went 2 for 3 with two RBIs.
Division 1 South
Barnstable 6, Catholic Memorial 1 - Senior Willie Nastasi pitched a complete-game five-hitter, striking out seven, walking one, and hitting one batter.
Division 3 South
Archbishop Williams 4, Coyle & Cassidy 3 - Jason Pekkinen went 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBIs, and Scott Anderson picked up the win pitching three innings in relief for the Bishops.
Boys’ lacrosse
Division 1 East
Billerica 9, Newton North 8 - Ben Melaugh had three goals and three assists for the Indians.
Franklin 15, Mansfield 4 - After losing to Mansfield twice in the regular season, host Franklin turned the tables and advanced to the quarterfinals with stellar defense led by goalie Matt Kilroe (9 saves). Ross Tanner and Mike Patjane each had six goals for the Panthers.
BC High 11, Westford 9 - BC High took its first lead with 3:04 left in the third quarter and never looked back. Brendan Hogan and Joe Buckley had three goals apiece for the Eagles.
Division 3 East
North Reading 15, Archbishop Williams 6 - Cody Carbone led the offensive attack for the Hornets with five goals, while Mike O’Brien and Cam Knight each had three goals and two assists.
Softball
Division 1 North
Malden 11, Billerica 1 - Senior Kiara Amos picked up the win with 12 strikeouts for the Golden Tornadoes.
Newton North 5, Methuen 1 - Senior Katie Caruso hit a three-run triple and senior Clare Doolin picked up the win with seven strikeouts for the Tigers.
Division 3 North
Matignon 6, Shawsheen 2 - The 16th-seeded Warriors eliminated the top-seeded Rams. Lauren Doneski picked up the win. Diana Golini and Sarah Gauthier each went 3 for 4.
Marian 4, Latin Academy 0 - Katie Rufo allowed one hit and struck out seven for the win.
Division 1 South
Dighton-Rehoboth 3, Notre Dame (Hingham) 0 - Jill Rocha pitched a complete game, allowing six hits. She walked two while striking out six.
Division 2 South
Hopkinton 5, Foxboro 1 - Nicole Mellor pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and striking out 15 for the Hillers.
Division 3 South
Archbishop Williams 14, Nantucket 0 - Christine Chase threw a no-hitter for Archbishop Williams while contributing a pair of hits. Chase struck out 10 with one walk.
Girls’ tennis
Division 3 North
North Reading 3, Austin Prep 2 - Senior Christina Beatrice won, 6-4, 6-2, at second singles to lift the visiting Hornets.
Division 1 South
Notre Dame (Hingham) 5, Durfee 0 - Grace Biciunas and Allie Bridgeman each won their matches, 6-0, 6-1.