While many other teams traveled to warm climates to practice and play games over spring break, Andover Girls Lacrosse braved the cold, wind and snow to practice on campus.
“It was so cold we had to wear four layers: t-shirt, long sleeve, sweatshirt and jacket,” said Jordy Fenton ’17.
Andover alternated strength and conditioning training at AP Sports, an off-campus facility, to supplement on-campus practice to create a well-rounded preseason workout.
“It was really nice to be able to come back the first couple of days before school started and get together and toss the ball around. We worked hard and got a lot of workouts in,” Courtney Masotti ’17 said.
Tryouts began on Tuesday, and the roster is expected to be finalized by Friday.
Beth Krikorian ’17 said, “There are lots of promising newcomers. We have lots of great Juniors, new Lowers and Uppers. We really have strong players in all grades.”
The team has recorded a winning record each season since 2010. Last year the team’s streak was almost snapped as they finished with a final record of 10-9.
Last year’s team was comprised of eight Seniors, six Uppers, four Lowers and four Juniors. Of the eight Seniors the team lost, two were attackers, two were defenders, three were midfielders and one was a goalkeeper.
Ashlyn Aiello ’14, the team’s only goalkeeper, graduated with the Senior class and will need a replacement. Former Captain Nekele McCall ’14 will be greatly missed for her great leadership and offensive prowess. This year’s Captain, Caroline Garrity ’15, is already filling the shoes of her predecessor and acknowledges the massive responsibility of her role.
Garrity said, “My teammates – on and off the field, during school, at sports –
are looking up to me in every single way possible. Being a Senior in itself is important, but being a captain even more so, because you’re leaving a legacy on this team and you’re hoping that with your instruction and your guidance that the girls behind you will follow in your footsteps.”
Garrity will not be leading the team all alone, however. Senior and defender Tessa Peterson ’15 said, “Leadership of the team is apportioned to all the Seniors in the rigor and hustle that we bring to our practices, but I still feel pretty modest about my individual lacrosse game.”
Andover still has time to organize itself, practice, and develop team camaraderie, since its first game is not until this April 1 against Middlesex. The team will look to kick off its season on a strong note.
