Top-Seeded Girls Hockey Stunned in First Round

It was an outstanding season for the Tewksbury-Methuen girls hockey team. But on Thursday night it came to a screeching halt.

The Red Raiders entered the Division 2 postseason as the bracket's No. 1 seed following a 19-1-0 record that was the best in the program's short history.

But visiting No. 17 seed Sandwich completed a stunning upset on the road in the first round, earning a 7-5 win that ended the locals' season.

While Tewksbury/Methuen had a preliminary round bye, Sandwich may have found its confidence in a 5-2 victory over Wayland/Weston that set up the meeting with the tournament's top seed.

With the win, Sandwich advances to face either No. 8 Medway or No. 9 Pembroke in the quarterfinals.

Tewksbury, meanwhile, ends its stellar campaign earlier than expected with a record of 19-2-0.

Still, next year may be another exciting season for local hockey fans. The team graduates only three seniors. Among the players who are expected to return is Amanda Conway, who set the state scoring record earlier this season.

Brlanna Fotino, Haley Sutherland and standout goalie Taylor Lirakis are the three seniors from this year's roster who will graduate.