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A tough first half from Londonderry was all Souhegan needed to put the game away.

The undefeated Sabres (15-0) scored eight goals in the first 25 minutes, and held Londonderry to just three, and rolled to a 15-7 win to lock up the Division 1 state championship.

MANCHESTER, N.H. | Londonderry's girls lacrosse team was up to the challenge yesterday.

Despite two scoring droughts of nearly 15 minutes each, a half-hour thunderstorm delay, and miserable wet and rainy conditions, the Lancers managed to hang on and defeat Pinkerton 9-8 in the Division 1 state semifinals at Manchester Memorial field.

For many of the Londonderry players, this was a new experience. The Lancers, who have only one senior, got their first taste of playoff lacrosse, and that inexperience showed as Salem led for most of the first half.

For the first time in program history, Londonderry defeated Pinkerton. The Lancers prevailed 8-6, handing the Astros their first loss of the season.

'The girls really worked for this one," said Londonderry coach Bob Slater. "Defensively our kids were outstanding. And to have five different goal scorers in a game like this says something for this program."

Despite some opening-day problems, including a 6-3 halftime deficit, Pinkerton came roaring back in the second half yesterday, scoring four goals in 4:04 and grinding out an exciting 10-9 season-opening win over local rival Londonderry.

2007 record: 14-4, lost Division 1 semifinals

Returning starters (9): Kayla Green, Jr., attack; Jenn Borjeson, Sr., attack; Dana Boyle, Soph., midfield; Marcie Marino, Soph., attack; Charlotte Sweet, Jr., midfield; Mackenzie Schleicher, Soph., defense; Ashley Borjeson, Soph., defense; Kelcie Malloy, Jr., defense.; Meaghann Mellen, Jr., attack