Sports

Girls Reach Quarter Finals With 11-4 Record

Andover Field Hockey finished its season with a record of 11-4-1 after falling to Westminster 4-1 in the quarterfinals of the NEPSAC playoffs.

¨I would give anything to go back and play that quarterfinal game again because I know the outcome could have been different,¨ said Co-Captain Hannah Sorkin ’14. ¨I think we could have played better than we did, but I know that loss is going to stay with the girls who are returning next year, and they are going to turn their disappointment into motivation and come back ready to really play every game with all their heart.¨

Andover kicked off its season with a three-game win streak, but a 4-3 loss to a tough Tabor team halted the team’s momentum.

In the next 10 games, Andover went 8-1-1.

Andover’s second loss of the season was against the eventual NEPSAC champion, Noble and Greenough. After Andover fell behind 0-2, the team came back from behind but eventually fell 6-3.

“It didn’t seem like we were the same team after that,¨ said Head Coach Kate Dolan. “[It was a] disappointing ending, especially knowing a lot hinged on that Nobles game and then watching them go on to win the championship, but there’s a lot we can all learn and take from the season.”

After taking a 1-0 win over Cushing, Andover headed up to Exeter.

“Andover-Exeter games are always a test of heart, and the winner is always the team that wants it more. Despite the fact we had the better record, we knew Exeter was going to be tough to beat,¨ said Olivia Cabral ’14.

After Exeter kicked off the scoring, Andover scored two quick goals from Cabral and Eva Toffoloni ’15.

With the score tied 2-2, Anna Fucillo ’15 scored off the corner give Andover a 3-2 lead. Fucillo’s goal, however, was not enough, as Exeter rallied back to take the game 4-3.

Unable to recover from tough losses to Nobles and Exeter, Andover fell to sixth-seed Westminster 4-1 in the playoffs.

“It wasn’t the desired outcome, but in the very end it’s not winning or losing that matters most. It’s the people who play alongside you, those who have the strength and courage to not give up when they lose,” said goalie Ashlyn Aiello ’14. “[Andover Field Hockey] gave me something to believe in and a dream to follow with friends and athletes who would do anything for the sake of the person beside them.”

Andover graduates six Seniors this year: Co-Captains Amy Morin ’14 and Sorkin, Aiello, Naomi Simpson ’14, Emma Mehlman ’14 and Cabral.

“[Andover Field Hockey] has been the best team on which I have ever been and getting elected Captain is the biggest honor I could have garnered. I was grateful every time I put on the Andover jersey and skirt, and I am thankful for everything [Andover Field Hockey] has taught me,” said Sorkin.

¨I’m going to/already do miss the girls from the team, but probably most I’ll miss watching such a great group of people coming together to really work for something,¨ said Simpson in an email to _The Phillipian_.

The team returns 10 rising Seniors next year.

“We aren’t looking to maintain the status quo, we are looking to be better and for that to happen, we all (players, coaches) need to work to improve between now and next season. Faster, stronger and better at the end is our goal for 2014,¨ said Dolan.