Jackie McCarthy ’19 scored Andover’s second goal against Middlesex on an open net after a foul by the opponent goalie.
In a game with fewer than five total shots from both teams, St. Paul’s created chances by earning five corners compared to Andover Field Hockey’s three. Each team generated chances to score, but both failed to capitalize until Andover redirected a hard hit into the back of the net, resulting in the lone goal of the match. Andover won 1-0, and with a 4-0 victory over Middlesex on Wednesday, it continued its undefeated season with a record of 9-0.
Anna Bargman ’21 highlighted the importance of team energy and how that aided them in the battle against St. Paul’s. Along with talking about team spirit, Bargman credited the defense for doing a great job.
“I think that we kept up our energy on and off the field, which provided support and encouragement to keep on fighting,” wrote Bargman in an email to The Phillipian.
Bargman continued, “Our good defense definitely was something that stood out to me. There were a lot of scary times during the game where our defense really stepped up and saved the day. It was especially good because the good defensive plays were made all over the field, not just on our defensive end.”
The ball rarely slipped past the 25 yard lines of either end, which resulted in a crowded middle, but after an close second half, Andover managed to come out on top.
St. Paul’s, also undefeated entering Saturday’s game, became the latest team on the other side of an Andover victory over the course of Andover’s still-undefeated season.
In Wednesday’s game against Middlesex, Andover played in bright pink jerseys for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The team wears the uniforms in support of those that have battled breast cancer. Olivia Boger, a member of Andover Field Hockey’s coaching staff, started a foundation in honor of her mother, as well as others who have been affected by breast cancer. Prior to coming to Andover, Boger worked as a teacher at Middlesex, so it also wore pink uniforms in support of those battling breast cancer.
According to Lily Rademacher ’21, the team’s energy was really high heading into the game and it remained high throughout the game.
“I think that we wanted team spirit to be really high just because it’s an emotional game and more of like a friendly than it is an intense match like we had against Tabor… to raise awareness for breast cancer. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I think it’s more [of] a spirit game than anything else… [We made] sure that we had really good sportsmanship and were playing to play and [to] have a have a good time — yes, to win, and yes, to do well, but also be good sports,” Rademacher said.
With a quick goal in the first minute of the game, Andover took an early lead, which it held for the remainder of the game. Despite the final score being 4-0 the teams battled back in forth and created an entertaining game for both fan sections, according to Rademacher.
Andover will travel to Northfield Mount Hermon on Saturday.
