The Boys Water Polo team caught fire on Saturday, limiting Williston and Hotchkiss to a combined three goals and winning 5-2 and 5-1, respectively. However, on Wednesday, Andover lost to a talented Suffield team, 11-4. For the first game of the Saturday doubleheader, the team faced Williston, an overall solid unit. Williston had the fifth best record in the league before the game, compared to Andover’s fourth best record in the league. These teams were evenly matched, and the game remained close. Although Andover was in command for most of the first half, the team trailed Williston 2-1 at the end of the second quarter on a goal by Andrew Fraser ’10. Despite the team’s low shooting percentage, the game stayed within reach, and Andover made its chances count in the second half. Fraser again had a strong impact in the third quarter, scoring another goal to tie the game. After Fraser’s second goal, the rest of the game was dominated by Andover. The fourth quarter proved to be Williston’s undoing, as they surrendered three goals. James Martino ’09, Asa Harrington ’09 and Parker Washburn ’09 each scored once to secure the game and the win. Brendan Deveney ’09 played extremely well on defense, racking up seven steals in the whole game. Also, Andover’s goalkeeping remains one of its strongest parts, due to the solid play and leadership of goalies Captain William Faulkner ’09 and Dan Larson ’11. Just 20 minutes later, Andover took on a talented Hotchkiss team. The team looked to play tough defense against its opponents, perennial playoff contenders in the league. This time, Andover wasted no time in taking the lead as Washburn scored his second goal of the day on the first possession. From there, Andover held its lead thanks to more strong play from the defense. Washburn completed the hat trick against Hotchkiss, tallying four goals on the day. Harrington and Deveney each added goals to secure the win. Hotchkiss only managed one goal against the defense of Andover, losing 5-1. The Water Polo team’s young players got some playing time, giving them some key in-game experience. On Wednesday, Andover hosted a Suffield team that beat them earlier this season. Once again, Suffield’s offense found the net early in the game. Although Captain Faulkner had some nice saves, Suffield led 7-0 at the end of the second quarter. The start of the second half proved to be better for the Andover squad. Andover began putting points on the board, and Coach David Fox took the opportunity to give his young players some in-game experience against a very strong team. These players included, Austen Novis ’11, Conor Deveney ’11, Ben Morris ’11 and Alex Smachlo ’11 played in the second half. Andover finished out its game out on a high note, moving the ball around better and outscoring Suffield 3-1 in the final quarter. Though the team is still maturing and finding its full potential, it has already found a lot of success so far this season. Andover plays Choate and Hopkins this Saturday.
