While Exeter may be heading to the playoffs, they will go there winless versus Andover this season. Fans from both schools packed into Exeter’s dungeon-style hockey rink Saturday to witness the historical prep school faceoff. In the first period, the Exeter offense came out prepared, capitalizing on its home rink advantage. Exeter fired off a total of 16 shots, running circles around Andover defenders. It was clear early on that the play of goalie Alissa Fromkin ’09 would be crucial in an Andover victory. Fromkin answered the challenge. Out of the 16 shots, she only let one in. Halfway through the first period, Exeter scored quickly off a rebound. But Fromkin maintained her position and managed to make 15 saves. The Andover offense, however, only generated six shots and struggled to create scoring opportunities. With Fromkin playing at such a high level, Coach Martha Fenton needed the offense to step up in order to pull out the victory. Over the course of the second period, spectators felt a momentum shift in the game. The Andover offense found its groove and started creating more scoring opportunities. On the opposite side of the ice, the defense managed to shut down nearly all of Exeter’s offensive attacks. With time running out, it looked as if Andover would head into the third period trailing, despite their much-improved play. With 1:42 left in the second period, Mari Walsh ’10 took the game-changing shot. After carving through Exeter’s defensive zone, Walsh ripped a wrist shot past a defenseless Exeter goalie, scoring Andover’s first goal of the day. At that point, there was no turning back for Andover. About half a minute later, Katie Riley ’10 widened the team’s lead. Avery Stone ’10 took a shot on goal that Riley, in perfect position, buried in the back of the net. The scoring frenzy at the end of the period proved to be enough for Andover. The Andover defense managed strong, and its offense continued to put pressure on the Exeter defense and goalie. “The defense played really well in the last period and a half. We definitely stepped our games up,” said defenseman Jordan Hampton ’12. Another key aspect to the win was the teams’s communication. “We were talking and communicating [really] well on the ice and in the locker room, which was pivotal in starting up the offense,” said Kellie Walsh ’11. As the seconds ran off the clock, Andover completed its comeback and ended its season on a high note. Kaitlyn McInnis ’09 said, “It was one of the most exciting games I have ever played. We came back, and showed the teams ability to pull together under pressure. It was a great way to end our season and my Andover career.”
