As proven by its 7-0 scrimmage win over Tilton School last Wednesday, Andover Field Hockey has a sturdy foundation of 11 returners that will carry its long-standing legacy of success into this season.
“One of our strengths is the amount of returning players we have, which will help set the stage for a great season,” said Captain Cara Daly ’13.
Andover’s returners include Daly, Sarah Marcotte ’13, Kristin Mendez ’13, Emma Mehlman ’14, Amy Morin ’14, Hannah Sorkin ’14, Katerina Toffoloni ’15, Nikoletta Toffoloni ’15, Evagelia Toffoloni ’15, Anna Fucillo ’15 and Sara Merker ’15.
“Although we have a relatively young team compared to prior years, we make up for it with young talent and consistency,” said Daly.
Evagelia Toffoloni, primarily a midfielder and an unstoppable offensive force, will be one of the team’s greatest assets this season. Toffoloni scored five of Andover’s seven goals on Wednesday.
While the returners will primarily compose the starting lineup at the beginning of the season, new talent shows great potential.
Newcomers include Olivia Cabral ’14, Kristen Overly ’15, Lila Dolan ’15, Eliza Quigley ’15, Julia Marcus ’15, Hannah Burns ’15, Kelly McCarthy ’16 and goalkeeper Ashlyn Aiello ’15.
Quigley, new to field hockey but an ice hockey veteran, will be especially valuable on offense.
“The team we have this year is very unique to any other year, and I feel one of our greatest strengths is our ability to adapt to different situations. Throughout preseason, I was able to see how each and every player had improved over the summer and how they continue to improve each day thus far,” said Daly.
Daly has been very impressed with the team’s attitude early on.
“One of the greatest things about the field hockey team is how much everyone wants to be there and be a part of the team. The energy is undeniable every time we step on the field, and that is a product of not only the players, but the coaches as well,” Daly continued.
Andover will continue to bring energy in its upcoming practices and scrimmage against Thayer tomorrow. The team plans to continue to improve every time it steps on the field so it will be fully prepared to begin its regular season with an away game against Lawrence Academy on Wednesday.
