Andover Field Hockey has let in just two goals in ten games this season.
Girls Field Hockey has recently been climbing up Max Field Hockey’s High School National Top 25 Rankings, going from 24th in the nation for the second week to 20th in the nation in the third week. The team’s record stands 9-0, only sparring two goals this season.
Molly Boyle ’25 sheds light on the team’s dynamics, emphasizing how each member balances a good work ethic with a fun atmosphere. Boyle reiterates how connections off the field improve communication and play on the field.
“I think that we are a very close team. We spend a significant amount of time together off the field, which I feel like helps us work better together while we are playing. We all make sure to be there for one another and support each other through the ups and downs in field hockey and just in life. When we are together, we are always working to get better, but have a fun time doing it which creates such a positive and inclusive environment,” said Boyle.
Josie Sarno ’26 highlighted the team’s offensive prowess, noting the importance of gaining possession of the ball and attacking the defense. Evident in its high-scoring season, Sarno shared the team’s mindset as soon as it steps on the field.
“In each game, we have a lot of special moments, but I feel like a lot of the times within the first minute or two of the game, we tend to score a lot, even when we don’t have possession of the ball. When we go out on the field, before the game even starts, everyone’s locked in. Everyone’s so focused on the game, and they really have that drive to win that. As soon as the whistle blows, even though the [opposing] team might have the ball, they go and take the ball, and I don’t know how they do it, but they score within the first minute. And it’s great because we start off with high energy,” said Sarno.
With a new positioning this season, the team has been able to facilitate better ball control, cutting, and passing. Meg Stineman ’25 highlighted the tactical side of the team’s success.
“I think our biggest overall adjustment has been our formation. We’re playing with a different setup on the field, which has really been beneficial all over, just for cutting and making good passes… I would say that’s probably our biggest one. And then in terms of our successes in the first half. Recently, we’ve been scoring more in the second half, but it really just all [depends] on our energy and coming out strong from the first whistle and making that first interception off the other team’s pass,” said Stineman.
In an email to The Phillipian, Head Coach Kate Dolan applauded the team for its impressive ranking, noting that there is still room for improvement. Dolan hopes that the team can stay grounded and come in with high energy in the second half of the season.
Dolan wrote, “The poll/ranking is fun and testament to the team’s great start to the season — phenomenal, unprecedented. However, it is not where our focus is — we are focused on improving and striving to be better in our communication, synchronized movement, and playing lower, stronger and with more poise. A poll in October means very little compared to a poll after the season is over — that is the poll we want to be in.”
According to Boyle, while the ranking is something for the team to be proud of, there is still more work to do. Recognition on a national level is a head-turner for opposing teams and encourages everyone to play on their best level.
“I think that having this national ranking is a large accomplishment for our team and the PAFH [Phillips Academy Field Hockey] program, but it is not our main focus. We focus more on day-to-day improvement and how we can push each other to reach the highest potential this team can have. This ranking also makes other teams bring their best game against us every time we play, which encourages us to play at our highest level possible and focus on what PAFH is all about,” said Boyle.
Even with Andover rising in the rankings, Stineman, much like her teammates and Coach, emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and humility. The team plans to stay focused on one game at a time going forward, letting the ranking inspire but not distract them.
“The ranking is really great, but the consensus on the team is, we may be ranked 20th, which is amazing and we’re a great team, but it’s really important to keep it internal, and really just focus on ourselves and don’t get caught up in being ranked 20th. We’re so proud that we are, and we’re so proud of ourselves for being able to work that hard this season and be there, but there’s still so much to be done. And really, all that matters is improving from here. So although it’s really great to be able to say that we’re ranked 20th… We are trying to avoid getting caught up in the awesomeness of that, and just really continue to focus on our play on the field against every single opponent,” said Stineman.
Rankings: https://maxfieldhockey.com/2023-week3-national-top-25-rankings/
