It has been a tale of two Andovers, with the Golden Warriors slotting below Chelmsford last week after letting a 2-0 lead slip away.
Now, after a 3-1 Merrimack Valley Conference win over Lowell two days later, coach EJ Perry’s squad is the biggest riser during the school break, reaching No. 14 in the Globe’s boys’ volleyball poll.
Methuen is now the only team undefeated in Merrimack Valley Conference play. Next Friday, the Rangers will host Lowell, with both teams having a lot to prove.
Lexington stayed close with Milford, despite the 3-0 score, as the Minutemen look to be more competitive with top teams after a sweep by Winchester. St. John’s (Shrewsbury) also made an impression despite not finding the win column until Friday vs. Cambridge, nearly taking a set off Needham and giving a glimpse of its potential come June.
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And Needham rallied from a 2-1 deficit to win the ALS One Tournament at host Winchester Friday.
Records based on scores reported to the Globe.
The Globe’s Top 20 boys’ volleyball poll
The Globe poll as of April 19, 2024. Teams were selected by the Globe sports staff.
| No. | Team | Record | Previous |
| 1. | Newton North | 4-0-0 | 1 |
| 2. | Needham | 6-1-0 | 2 |
| 3. | Milford | 6-0-0 | 3 |
| 4. | Natick | 5-1-0 | 4 |
| 5. | Winchester | 5-1-0 | 8 |
| 6. | Brookline | 3-2-0 | 5 |
| 7. | BC High | 5-1-0 | 7 |
| 8. | Wayland | 4-1-0 | 9 |
| 9. | Lowell | 5-1-0 | 6 |
| 10. | Lexington | 4-3-0 | 10 |
| 11. | St. John’s Prep | 5-2-0 | 11 |
| 12. | Methuen | 7-0-0 | 13 |
| 13. | St. John’s (Shrewsbury) | 3-5-0 | 14 |
| 14. | Andover | 7-2-0 | 19 |
| 15. | Lincoln-Sudbury | 2-1-0 | 15 |
| 16. | Cambridge | 2-6-0 | 12 |
| 17. | New Bedford | 5-0-0 | 16 |
| 18. | Chelmsford | 5-1-0 | 18 |
| 19. | Greater New Bedford | 4-2-0 | 17 |
| 20. | North Quincy | 4-3-0 | 20 |
AJ Traub can be reached at aj.traub@globe.com.