Bolstered by newfound team chemistry, Andover Girls Soccer snapped a two-game losing streak with a 1-0 win over St. Paul’s on Saturday and a 1-1 tie with Governor’s on Wednesday.
Given the team’s struggles the week before, Jessica Vocaturo ’13 and Giovanna Pickering ’13 both felt that the team needed some extra inspiration.
“[They] hyped everyone up by making flash cards highlighting each player’s strong points,” said Angela Batuure ’13. “They also gave us quotes to put in our shin guards as a reminder that we were all a team and that we were playing for each other.”
On Saturday against St. Paul’s, Andover’s first and only goal came in the middle of the first half off a cross from Hannah Guzzi ’14 to Vocaturo. After receiving the pass, Vocaturo slipped past her defender and put the ball in the back of the net.
“Big crosses from the far side of the field have been a big part of our game, and it was a good feeling to have Vocaturo finish on one,” said Katie Kreider ’14. “There was nothing the goalie could have done.”
Andover’s defense remained tight throughout the game and did not allow St. Paul’s to equalize.
“As opposed to some of our other games, we focused a lot more on our own play this time around. We did not worry about St. Paul’s, which helped us play our own game better,” said Kreider.
Andover tried to utilize the excitement that it gained from its much-needed victory when it hosted Governor’s on the following Wednesday. However, Andover could not repeat its previous result, and the game ended in a 1-1 tie.
Andover gained the lead first with a goal from Vocaturo, with Kinsey Yost ’15 on the assist.
Yost lofted the ball from half field when Vocaturo received the ball at the eighteen yard line and volleyed it to the top left corner of the net.
“Jessica’s goal set the tone for the work ethic and pace of the game. It forced everyone on the field to step it up and continue passing, which created dangerous scoring opportunities,” said Tessa Peterson ’15.
However, Governor’s was able to tie the game at 1-1 in the second half.
“Our passing was less connected in this second half, but after Governor’s scored, we regained our composure and confidence and continued to fight through the last whistle,” said Peterson.
Andover’s passing through the midfield was a strong point throughout the game, as its two centre-midfielders, Giovanna Pickering ’13 and Nekele McCall ’14, consistently kept the ball away from Governor’s defenders and created strong chances on the attack.
Although Andover had hoped for an outcome in its favor, the team will use the tie as motivation to keep pushing for wins throughout the rest of the season.
“The end result was sort of disappointing because we know we have the ability to outplay them,” said Peterson. “I would be pleased to play Governor’s again and show them what we are made of. We are ready to exert ourselves in practice every day and find the focus that will assist us in our next games. We are more excited and confident than ever,” said Peterson.
Andover’s record now stands at 4-5-1, and the team will look for a victory on Saturday at Northfield Mount Hermon.
