With Andover trailing Milton by a point in the final minute, Claire Fox ’06 completed a three-point play to give Andover a 41-39 victory. On Wednesday, Kelly Fox ’07 scored 17 points to lead Andover to a 51-39 victory over Thayer. Milton began the game with an intense full court pressure and scored quickly off of Andover turnovers. Milton’s intensity coupled with Andover’s sluggish play put Andover behind 26-19 at halftime. Kara Hollis ’07 and Hailee Minor ’08 ignited the team’s energy in the second half by playing tough defense and being aggressive on rebounds. Andover held Milton to only 13 points in the second half. Coach Lani Boardman noted, “Our defense is improving every day, and that will be a continuing goal for the season, to become a tougher team, particularly on the defensive end.” During the second half, Andover also began to click offensively and overcame Milton’s press. Claire Fox scored 13 of her 15 points in the second half. Andover came all the way back from its first half deficit, and the game came down to the final seconds. Hollis passed to Fox who scored and got fouled. Making her free throw, Fox gave Andover a 41-39 lead. Milton had 30 seconds to set up a final shot, but Andover’s defense stood firm and secured the victory. Against Thayer, Andover used a full court defense and great double teams to cause Thayer turnovers. Minor and Kristen Macdonald ’07 played aggressive defense, forcing Thayer to settle for low percentage shots. The team out rebounded Thayer on the defensive and offensive ends. Macdonald said, “Before each game, we set a goal to out rebound our opponents. Against Thayer we achieved this and even earned several fouls off of our offensive rebounds.” At half time, Andover led 30-17. The second half was sloppy for both teams, but Andover kept Thayer from climbing back into the game and won 51-39. Andover put on an offensive display as eight different players scored. Kelly Fox ’08 led the team with 17 points, including several three pointers. Macdonald scored 13, followed by Captain Jackie Price ’06 with seven, Claire Fox with six, and Sarah Beattie ’07, Minor, Sarah Thomas ’06, and Hollis each with two. Coach Boardman commented on their great teamwork saying, “I really believe that any time we play, it is the entire team that contributes, including players that may not see many minutes.”
