Forward Meghan Ward ’19 ran toward the goal to receive a pass from Beth Krikorian ’17, which Ward subsequently smacked into the back of the net to secure Andover’s first goal against Cushing on Saturday. Andover’s strong performance was enough to capture a 2-0 victory and bring its record to 11-2-2.
Ward and Hannah Cregg ’16 scored the goals in Andover’s victory. After a strong start, an intensely played second half enabled the team to secure the win.
“The first half against Cushing we were just out of sync, not really connecting or finishing our plays. It was a completely different story in the second half. Right from the start of the second half, we played with much greater intensity and purpose. We were aggressive and assertive and it made all the difference,” wrote Head Coach Kate Dolan in an email to The Phillipian.
Ward said, “The game against Cushing was physically very tough, and we had to battle through. Although we came out slow in the first half, we really set the tone in the second half.”
Andover successfully took control of the game by adapting and taking advantages of Cushing’s playing style.
Midfielder Charlotte Welch ’18 said, “I thought we recognized their playing style well, as they hit the ball as hard as they could and chased after it. And we adapted by closing off open gaps in the field and marking open spaces. They got only a few shots, and we had it in their offensive zone most of the time.”
Andover is excited to go up against its rival, Phillips Exeter Academy, this weekend in the final game of the regular season before playoffs begin.
Captain Kelly McCarthy ’16 said, “Exeter is a huge rivalry and a really tough opponent. I am looking forward to having a lot of fans at the game and having that be my last A/E with the field hockey team, but I think we are ready for it.”
“Against Exeter we want to play exactly like we did in the second half against Cushing: aggressive, confident, poised and with positive communication on the field. We are at our best when we support one another with positive communication, when we pass and move, and when we all give 100 percent effort,” said Dolan.
Andover looks to maintain its positive momentum with a win over Exeter before heading into the playoffs.
