After finishing last season with an impressive 10-1-1 record, Andover Golf enters the season hoping to retain the Witherspoon and Lovell Cups, which it claimed over Phillips Exeter Academy and Governor’s last season with a combined score of 989-1016-1089.
Andover has traditionally been a very strong team, and has only lost three matches in the past two years. It seeks to continue its streak of dominance this season.
Despite losing Captain Kavan Canekeratne ’14, veteran Luke Stidham ’14 and talented Post-Graduate Robert Devaney ’14, Andover will return the majority of its varsity lineup spearheaded by the Tsay siblings, Captain Tyler Tsay ’15 and Alexa Tsay ’17.
Alexa Tsay, one of Andover’s top players, said, “This season, we have lost our captain and another top player [Devaney]. We don’t really have any recruits, but there are a lot of people trying out and new talent that may come in. Last year, we had a great season, with just one loss to Deerfield. This year, I hope we avenge that loss and win matches throughout the season.”
Returners Addison Davenport ’15, Billy Casagrande ’15, Eleanor Blum ’15, Pranav Tadikonda ’16 and Peter Hahn ’16 look to fill the void left by departed players and provide veteran leadership for the team.
Tyler Tsay has high expectations for the returners, “Many of our returners have improved drastically over the summer. I’m hopeful that with the new talent we saw our first few days in coupled with the combined experience of our core team, we can have a truly magnificent experience.”
Post-Graduate Drew DeGeronimo ’15 hopes to crack the Varsity lineup as a newcomer.
Head Coach Brian D. Faulk ’00 is excited to see how DiGeronimo will add to the team dynamic.
“Drew DiGeronimo will be a player to watch and I think will be a nice addition as a [Post-Graduate],” wrote Faulk in an email to The Phillipian.
Andover will rely on the Tsay siblings to hold down the top of the lineup.
Alexa Tsay captured the Managan Award last season, which is awarded each year to the top golfer in the Exeter/Governor’s matches. She continued to sharpen her game at tournaments during spring break.
“Over break, I played everyday and really got to train for the first time since summer. I competed in two tournaments. One was an SCPGA, which I won, and the other was a Toyota tour cup, which I placed third in. I shot 66 and 73-77, respectively,” said Alexa Tsay.
Tyler Tsay looks to retain the Kazikas Award, which is given to Andover’s top golfer overall, for the third straight year.
One challenge that the team faces every year is the weather, and this year is no exception.
“Coming back here from California, where it was 90 degrees was definitely rough, but we won’t let the weather get in the way of our play. Once we are able to start practicing again, weather permitting, I am confident that we will have a successful season,” concluded Alexa Tsay.
Orlando Figus ’16 is optimistic that Andover will continue its string of successful seasons. “The squad looks pretty good, and for sure you can expect low scores out there.”
Andover will kick off its season away at Tabor on April 4.
