After competing in an extremely aggressive game with Northfield Mount Herman on Saturday, the Andover Girls Water Polo team endured the most nail-biting, competitive game of the season against Deerfield on Wednesday. “Our main goals for this game were to shoot a lot and get everyone in the water,” said Coach Phelps. Both of those goals were fulfilled. Andover shot a season-high 24 shots. During the first quarter, Andover exploded into action, gaining a 5-0 lead. “This eruption at the beginning of the first quarter was a little uncharacteristic of us. It usually takes us a little while to get moving and adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of the other team,” said Captain Caitlin Feeney ’08. During the game, the NMH girls became very frustrated with Andover’s calm and sturdy techniques and unity. Parallel to Andover’s game against NMH last year, the play turned a little vicious. However, Andover remained composed and did not get involved in any of the vicious actions this year. During the final quarter Andover honored its seniors by playing them all together. The final score ended at 11-7. The game against Deerfield on Wednesday was an extremely important game for the Andover Water Polo team. This playoff game determined whether or not Andover would go to the Class “A” New England Championship this spring. The teams were neck and neck the entire game, ending each quarter with Andover trailing by one goal. With only one ref and a shallow bench, Andover had to overcome a few obstacles, but in the end it all came together. In the fourth quarter, with Deerfield ahead by a score of 9-10, the Andover team knew they needed to fire it up, and they did just that. Shortly into the final quarter Andover took the lead, the exact spark the team needed. Each Andover team member stepped it up a notch. Collectively the team brought the score to 14-12. The Girls Water Polo team will attend the New England Championships, hosted by Exeter, this upcoming Saturday.
