Led by an impressive score of 35 from Captain Evan Harmeling ’07, the Varsity Golf squad claimed crucial victories over both Exeter and Governor’s Academy last Saturday. These two wins lifted the team’s morale after several tight losses the week before, and will serve as great confidence builders leading into the final matches of the season. Prior to this week the team suffered a tough losing streak, falling to St. Mark’s 2.5-5.5, Thayer 3-4 and B.B.&N. 3-4. Andover also lost to Deerfield in 16 holes, despite having the top five scores. The only win occurred when Andover pulled off a nail-biter over Tilton by a final score of 4-3. Nicholas Koh ’08 recognized the squad’s recent struggles, as well as his troubles thus far: “We have been not been very consistent, and all these defeats are could be considered upsets.” Koh continued, “The conditions have been good, but we can’t seem to get a solid rhythm going. I haven’t been able to convert my birdie putts and get up and down consistently enough. Everyone needs to step up in the coming weeks.” Coming into its matches Saturday, Andover knew it needed to play consistent and aggressive golf. The top of the ladder stepped up well, highlighted by an impressive 35 from Harmeling and a 38 from Koh. Senior Kristen Macdonald also played well and shot a 40 on the day. The bottom of the ladder, led by Wutae Lee ’10, came through once more with a 42 from Lee, a 46 from Andrew Cox ’08, and 47’s from Mike Sullivan ’08 and Tanner McNeill ’08. The consistent play from the top and bottom of the ladder proved too much for Exeter and GA to handle, as Andover claimed two important victories. Aside from team matches, Macdonald ’07 took part in a women’s tournament last week in Rhode Island. Macdonald finished in third place overall out of more than 70 female competitors with a final score of 81. Koh and Harmeling both commented on Macdonald’s contributions to the team this year: “Kristen has been an outstanding contributor to the team this year. Her consistency and accuracy are her greatest assets. She rarely misses anything, but when she does, she has the mental toughness to fight back.” In the final weeks of the season, Andover will finish competition for the Witherspoon Bowl and Lovell Cup with Exeter and Governor’s, and play its final match of the season against Governor’s.
