Despite a lackluster beginning to the game, behind an excellent shutout performance from goalie Lexi Secreto ‘22, Andover Girls Field Hockey poured on four goals to defeat Saint Paul’s 4-0. In stride, the team went on to tie Middlesex. The team’s record is now 9-0-1.
Against St. Paul’s, Andover got into an offensive groove, leading to full team passing plays, according to Shea Freda ’24. Freda described how the communication came together for the team, allowing it to pull things together and come away with a victory.
“The beginning of the first half was a bit of a slow start and it kind of took us a while to get into a good groove and we needed to get the energy up. So once we did, our first couple goals kind of started some really good passing and communication on the field and we [were] able to execute at the end [and] we got the win” Freda said.
Freda described the team’s fight as a group effort and expressed that it allowed the team to create the type of play it wanted to see. According to Freda, through the cheering of the teammates, Andover was able to re-establish its confidence.
Freda said, “We have a really good bond, and… can always hear people supporting each other on and off the field. That makes us confident even when we are not playing our best and we’re struggling to have good connections on the field. That energy just really helped us get into a groove and to win all of our games so far.”
Knowing the reputation and status field hockey has on campus fills the team with pride and spirit, according to Captain Ellie Harrison ’22. Harrison believes that being able to be a part of a big family and play a sport the team loves is an experience like no other.
“It is great to be back to competing as a team. Historically we have been very strong as a team and we push to honor the past and build a future – we have a lot of traditions and we act as a family. Fall is a ton of fun playing field hockey. Everyone comes to practice with so much energy and everyone knows how good we can be and we know how good we are,” said Harrison.
The team lost its nine-game win streak on Wednesday against Middlesex. According to Head Coach Martha Fenton ’83, this loss was another game that consisted of a dissatisfactory start with a great adjustment in the second half as well as in overtime.
“Middlesex was skilled and we had yet another slow start to the game as Middlesex caught us lacking. We did not play enough with our feet [and we were] not moving enough. The team adjusted very well in the second half. We played much better than Middlesex in the overtime [and created] a bunch of chances,” said Fenton.
The team will aim to start a new winning run as it takes on Northfield Mount Hermon at home on Saturday.
