Sports

With 13 Aces From Ward ’12, Andover Spikes Loomis

Alexandra Bell ’13 smashed four kills and Chelsea Ward ‘12 served 13 aces in Andover’s 3-0 victory against Loomis.

Andover started the first set against Loomis on a 4-0 run. Loomis quickly retaliated, rallying back to a 9-6 lead.

As both teams struggled to gain a significant advantage, Co-Captain Jamie Shenk ’12 provided a crucial stuff, allowing Andover to jump out to a 15-11 lead. Andover never looked back, taking the set 25-18.

Andover refused to let their foot off the gas pedal, coming out of the gates on a 12-0 run. Andover won the set 25-4.

Andover followed suit, jumping to a 16-6 lead in the third set. Loomis called a timeout, hoping to regain composure, but to no avail.

Andover won the set 25-11, securing the 3-0 victory.

After the match, Shenk elaborated on what went well for the team. She said, “We struggled a little with our passing the last few days, but it improved a lot today. We still need to work on our communication, but all in all there were fewer highs and lows, which translates to a better game.”

On Monday afternoon the team took on a strong Andover High team. Coach Clyfe Beckwith noted that the AHS team played stronger defense and made fewer attacking errors.

After a mediocre showing in the scrimmage, Andover, still on a three-game win streak, travelled to St. Paul’s on Wednesday.

However, the win streak was snapped against St. Paul’s in a five set match (21-25, 19-25, 25-23, 25-14, 7-15).

Andover controlled the beginning of the match, securing a 12-8 lead in the first set until St. Paul’s took the service line. Andover struggled to counter the strong serving game, allowing St. Paul’s to gain a 19-13 lead and an eventual set victory.

Up 9-8 in the second set, Andover once again struggled with the talented St. Paul’s serving. St. Paul’s took control of the set, 13-9. Andover brought the score back to within one at 23-24. Andover wound up losing the set, however, putting the team in a 2-0 hole.

The team showed its resiliency by not giving up and winning the third set, thanks to Ward’s seven consecutive service points. Andover also controlled the fourth set, winning 25-14 to force a deciding fifth set.

Once again, Andover had no answer for St. Paul’s service and lost the set 15-7.

Zoe Roschach ’12 had the most touches for Andover, hitting 40 of 49 with 5 kills, while Shenk dug 48 of 57.

Andover will travel to NMH tomorrow, looking to bounce back after such a disheartening loss.