Fall Sports Field Hockey Sports

PAFH: First Loss of the Season Ends Andover’s Undefeated Streak

Dodging the waiting defenders, midfielder Ashley Tucker ’18 drove the ball past the goalie on Friday afternoon to solidify a 4-1 win for Andover Field Hockey.

After its victory against Brooks, Andover beat Tabor 3-1 on Saturday, improving its record to 6-0. Its undefeated streak, however, ended on Wednesday at the hands of the only other undefeated team in its league, Governor’s. Andover lost 1-0 after a hard-fought battle.

Like in its first four games of the season, Andover’s defense played a critical factor in its success against Brooks.

Meghan Ward ’19, who scored two of Andover’s four goals, said, “Our defense did a very good job with our full field transfers. Sadly, we let in our first goal of the season, but that was bound to happen eventually.”

Against Tabor, a strong NEPSAC Class-A team, Andover’s refined passing sequences translated into a decisive victory.

Beth Krikorian ’17 said, “We moved the ball really well and created space so that we could use our strengths to get the ball into our end.”

Post-Graduate forward Jacqueline Diffley ’16 said, “Our team was able to connect great passes to generate many shots at the net. We also worked well as a team in keeping Tabor outside our defensive circle.”

In its game against Governor’s, Andover’s defensive line was very secure, allowing it to shut down several opposing shots on goal and to minimize the number of corners it gave up to its opposition.

Elizabeth Holubiak ’18 said, “We only gave up a few corners – that’s really good that we were able to keep [Governor’s] out of our circle that much. Also, our goalie, [Olivia Golini ’16], had an amazing game and saved us a lot.”

Jackie McCarthy ’19 added, “Our defense was rock solid, minimizing almost all of Governor’s scoring opportunities.”

Despite the loss, Andover remains encouraged by its potential and said it is sure that it will continue to improve throughout the season.

“Our full-field transfers down the right side against Governor’s could easily be our best yet. We were a little weak on pressuring the other team, but that is definitely something we can work on,” said Captain Kelly McCarthy ’16.

Andover will take on Choate this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Phelps Stadium.