Methuen came in as underdog, already losing once this season to Billerica. But utilizing its senior leadership, the Rangers captured their fifth straight MVC Small swimming title.

The three captains — Katie Oskar, Erica Grasso and Chanelle Arsenault, came through, placing first in five events and second in four others. Coach Jason Smith said it was the "best meet of the year."

Oskar accomplished a rare feat as she won the diving event with a score of 234.85 on Thursday, and then won the 100 freestyle yesterday.

"That is something you never see," Smith exclaimed. "It shows what a great athlete she is."

Grasso placed first in the 100 breaststroke and second in the 200 individual medley. Arsenault won the 200 freestyle and came in second on the 500 freestyle. She was also on the 200 medley relay team that finished third.

All three were part of the champion 400 freestyle relay and second-place 200 freestyle relay.

Also for Methuen, Cyanna Roig placed second in diving and Samantha Cullum placed second in the 100 backstroke. Emily Boyd, Karima Laraki and Sophia Saba played key roles on the three relays as well.

Round one goes to Andover

Andover wasted no time taking control of its Division 1 North field hockey tournament opener.

The Golden Warriors scored three times in the first half and cruised to a 4-0 victory over Lincoln-Sudbury in first round play.

"We were missing a starter in the back and moved some players into different spots," said Andover coach Maureen Noone. "Sarah Oteri did a great job helping the Farnham twins. We looked a little frazzled at times, but it was because we were playing so many different kids."

Sophomore Anne Farnham put the Golden Warriors on the board with a goal early in the first half off a helper from Oteri (2 assists), and twin sister Kate Farnham scored the game's final goal. Nicole Giroux and Elise Krekorian also contributed a goal apiece for undefeated Andover (18-0-1).