Sports

Andover Finishes Fifth of Eight Teams at Andover Invitational

Last Saturday, Andover hosted seven schools at the renowned Newport Country Club in the most important tournament of the season, the Andover Invitational. Andover teed off with hopes for victory, however, Newport’s majestic beauty failed to succumb to Andover’s will, as Andover finished fifth out of eight teams, while rival Exeter took the win with career play from all of its golfers. Perfect weather in the weeks leading up to the tournament left Newport in pristine condition. The greens ran hard and fast, while the fairways were dense and perfectly cut. James Poss ’10 commented, “The weather was awesome. The course could not have been in better condition.” Ben Ho ’11 went off at the number one spot for Andover expecting to capture medalist honors. After a solid par on his first hole, the long par four 15th, Ho proceeded to struggle mightily off the tee as he only found five out of fourteen fairways, while hitting only six greens in regulation. Ho’s round ended with a final score of ten-over par 82. Meanwhile number two Stepehn Winslow ’10 dominated Newport with his massive drives and solid putting. Despite a disastrous last few holes, Winslow shot the low round for Andover, finishing with a solid 80. James Poss ’10, playing from the three spot, fought through some difficulties with his putting to garner an 82 as well. Poss commented, “I really could not have played any worse today than I did. If my putter had been working for me I could have easily been near the top of the leaderboard, but I had 39 putts.” Coach Brian Faulk commented on Saturday’s result, “Exeter managed to capture this year’s event and we look forward to resuming our match with them in two weeks at Ould Newbury.” Coach Faulk expressed confidence in his team as they moved forward to their next match on Wednesday. After a disappointing weekend, Andover improved its record to 5-1 with a dominating win over St. Marks. Playing on the road, the team was faced with mediocre course conditions and nasty weather. But the harsh wind and biting rain and cold did not faze Andover, as it dominated St. Mark’s 5-1. In a reversal of roles, Winslow led off from the one spot and Ho from the two spot for Wednesday’s match. After a strong start with two birdies on the first three holes, Winslow could not put his opponent away and lost his match on the last hole. Ho won his match by a score of 2&1, playing conservative golf with no mistakes. Poss, Captain William J. Fowkes ’10, and Andrew Lee ’10 also won their individual matches, closing the door on St. Marks. Freshman Shin-Jae Lee ’13 finished the day by winning his first varsity match with a clutch up-and-down on the final hole. Andover will travel to Crumpin-Fox Golf Club to tee off against its toughest competition of the season against Deerfield.