Girls Soccer

Girls Soccer: Andover Splits Games Against Choate and Brooks

After receiving the ball from Zoe Oasis ’17, Co-Captain Cassie Chin ’17 scored the goal that propelled Andover Girls Soccer to a 2-0 shutout victory over Brooks School. This win redeemed the team after a difficult 3-0 loss against Choate on Saturday. Andover’s record this season now stands at 4-4.

Andover had an aggressive mindset going into the Brooks game and maintained composure on both offense and defense. Oasis said, “We got an early lead in the first half and were able to hold them off. Our defense did really well holding the offsides-trap, and we caught them offsides several times. It was a great team effort.”

Nikki Dlesk ’17 said, “We definitely played as a unit and kept our cool even when things got stressful. Brooks is always a tough team, but we kept our composure throughout the whole 80 minutes.”

Newcomer goalie Emily Hardy ’20 started in her first game for Andover on Wednesday. Oasis said, “Emily had a amazing game in goal. She was strong and came out several times to stop their forwards.”

“Emily definitely stood out today. It was her first start for GVS, and she earned a shutout which was huge. Even as such a young player, her knowledge of the game and ability to act under pressure is so solid,” continued Dlesk.

Hardy had four crucial saves for Andover. “I was nervous going into the game, but I knew that no matter what happened, I would have the support and love of the team behind me. Each and every player on the team was supportive and helpful. To be a part of the GVS family is an amazing gift, and no matter what happens, we work hard together, and together we can achieve great things,” said Hardy.

This past Saturday, Andover matched Choate’s level of play for the first half of the game. “We came out strong to the first half and I think we played well as a team. We knew that this game was going to be tough, seeing as they’re undefeated, but we were able to hold them off and kept it 0-0 for almost all of the first half,” said Jordy Fenton ’17.

Avery Westerfield ’18 added, “We came out with exuberance and our passing was especially smooth. We had some great opportunities. I think it really just came down to a few unlucky chances in our final third.”

Andover was able to keep the game close as a result of multiple crucial saves by Co-Captain Antonia Tammaro ’17, as well as a strong defensive performance from Tookie Wilson ’18.

Fenton said, “Antonia came up with an unbelievable save of a penalty kick which riled up the team to keep pushing forward. Tookie played a great game as well, reading the ball and stepping up at the right moments. She held off Choate’s fast forwards and helped move our play into the attacking half.”

Despite the final score, the girls supported one another and played hard throughout the entire game. Elise MacDonald ’19 said, “We played hard until the final whistle and everyone maintained a positive, encouraging attitude. We gave it everything we had and held our head high because in the end, regardless of the score, we played like the skilled team we are.”

Looking towards future games, Andover hopes to improve on its communication and keep its shape throughout the field. Fenton said, “We are looking to possess the ball more in our half and play to feet more often in this upcoming game.”

“We want to keep our momentum going forward. We have a big game coming up against St. Paul’s and hopefully we can keep a clean sheet and put some goals in the back of the net,” said Oasis.

Andover will travel to St. Paul’s this Saturday.

Editor’s Note: Cassie Chin is a Sports Editor for The Phillipian.