Boys Lacrosse Sports Spring Sports

Boys Win in Overtime For Fourth Time This Season

With the clock ticking down in overtime, Ryder Garnsey ’15 darted past his Choate defenders on Saturday and ripped the ball into an open space in front of the net, sealing the team’s 13th consecutive win this season, as well as its fourth overtime win this year. Andover’s 14-13 win against Choate on Saturday elevates its season record to an impressive 14-1, reflecting the hard work the team put into improving its technique and its agility on the field.

Trailing by three goals at the end of the first half, Andover Boys Lacrosse set out to improve its quick passing and shooting accuracy in the third and fourth quarters of the game.

Head Coach Stephen Moreland said, “The team did a great job battling through adversity in the first half. Our defense was flat, and our offense wasn’t really firing on all cylinders either.”

With one minute and 35 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the team found itself down by three goals to the visiting Choate team. Andover, however, stormed back to tie it up 13-13 before regulation time expired with two goals from Foster LeBoeuf ’15 and one goal from Garnsey.

When asked about how the team felt in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter, LeBoeuf said, “We never gave up. Being down and being in that situation before didn’t make us fault or misstep. We really stayed composed and put our hearts on the line in the last one minute and 30 seconds left in the game, and we were able to get the win.”

Moreland said, “It took incredible fortitude and perseverance to pull it together in the second half and make enough plays to get the win. LeBoeuf’s performance late in the game was heroic – one of the finer efforts I’ve ever seen by any athlete.”

Captain Tim Bulens ’15 added, “We played our hearts out and didn’t give up. Most teams would probably call it quits if they were down by three goals with a minute and 30 seconds left in gameplay, but not us.”

The team’s game against Choate also marked its last home game of the season.

LeBoeuf said, “It’s sad to know that was my last home game, but I think I speak for all the Seniors in saying that our game against Choate was the best way to go out.”

Bulens said, “Obviously there were a lot of emotions riding on our game against Choate, and I think that this was a major factor in the end. Playing at Phelps Stadium is something that should really be treasured, and this game will definitely be one that I’ll never forget.” Moreland added, “It’s really bittersweet. We’ve worked extremely hard this spring and we have had a great run so far, which has been a lot of fun. I’ll really miss the Seniors though. They’re a very special group.”

With just one game left in its season, Andover Boys Lacrosse hopes to finish its season strong. The team will face Phillips Exeter Academy on Saturday in the hopes of extending its winning streak to an impressive 14 consecutive wins and achieving a nearly perfect season record of 15-1.

Bulens said, “I would love to see us just keep doing what we are doing. As long as we give our full effort and play smart, I don’t care who we play against – we’ll give them a game.”

Moreland added, “The goal all season long has been to get better every day. For the most part we’ve been able to do that, so I hope that this Saturday is our best performance of the year.”