NHIAA Boys' Volleyball Championship: Salem's still perfect

DERRY – The never-beaten Salem boys' volleyball team continued its stranglehold on Granite State opposition and captured a sixth straight title, beating Timberlane of Plaistow, 3-1, last night before 350 witnesses at Pinkerton Academy.

The Blue Devils offered a stunning example of their invincibility with a stunning 25-5 first-game win against a talented 16-3 Owls team that didn't lose a game in 14 of their 15 victories this season.

Salem jumped to a 16-1 lead by serving up kill chances like a paid assassin and stifling every Timberlane offering with thundering blocks and daring digs.

"That was the best stretch of volleyball I've ever seen a Salem team play," said BlueDevils coach E.J. Perry. "This is a team full of volleyball fanatics. They are a bunch of volleyball fanatics, and showed their versatility, athleticism and skill."

Salem's Jason Kenney celebrates a point with Justin O'Brien in last night's high school volleyball championship match against Timberlane at Pinkerton Academy in Derry. (DAVID LANE)

Salem (19-0) continued its flawless play, winning the second game, 25-20. Timberlane, competing in its second straight title game, fought off elimination to win the third game, 25-23, before Salem resumed its dominance by claiming the fourth game, 25-10.

"I wouldn't have held it against my team if they rolled over and gave up, but they didn't," said Timberlane coach John Dube. Timberlane was one of just three teams to win a game against Salem this season. Max LaRoche led the Owls with six kills and seven blocks. Tim Anderson made nine blocks and Connor Dube had 26 assists.

"You're going up against more than talent when you play Salem," said Dube. "You watch them play and see six years of history. That's tough to overcome."

More High School Sports:

> H.S. Football: Huge win for Central
> H.S. Football: Lancers win, and now must wait
> H.S. Football Roundup: Salem runs over West
> H.S. Football Scores, Schedule
> H.S. Field Hockey: Pinkerton, Timberlane are final two