Sports

Kennelly ’13 and Bouscaren ’14 Anchor Andover

Boys Water Polo looks to make another deep run in the New England Tournament after last year’s fifth place tournament finish. The team lost to Deerfield in the quarterfinals and seeks redemption this season.

Andover finished the season with a record of 7-6, strong considering the high level of competition it faced all season long.

The team will benefit from the strong leadership of Captains Henry Kennelly ’13 and Travis Bouscaren ’14. Nine players return to the team this fall, and their experience from past seasons will be crucial to Andover’s success. Andover does have some spots to fill, though, and the prospects are hopeful. “We have 40 boys trying out for approximately 30 spots between JV and Varsity. I am sure that individuals new to the program will contribute to both the JV and Varsity teams,” said Head Coach David Fox.

It’s tough to predict what this season has in store, but Fox does have high expectations. “Our expectations are to conclude the season playing our best possible water polo, to contribute to develop student-athletes who are attractive candidates for NCAA Division I Programs and to learn about a great sport while having fun at Phillips Academy,” he said.

Because many have not played water polo before coming to Andover but are athletic and interested in the sport, it takes some for these players to get up to speed. Many make strong contributions to the program later in the season.

Andover opens its season against Loomis Chaffee this Saturday at Loomis. The team is on the road for its first five games before its home opener against St. John’s Prep in the middle of October. Andover will play Deerfield at home, a chance to avenge last season’s loss.

“This season every game will be a challenge to set the bar as if we’re playing that quarterfinal match and it’s our only shot,” said Kennelly. “Our goal is to play every game with our heads down and the bar high.”