Jenna Castellot ’08 scored from the top of the eighteen and assisted on a second goal to secure a 3–0 win against St. Paul’s. This game’s outcome was especially welcome after PA’s tie against Nobles and Greenough on Saturday. The Girls Varsity Soccer team felt they should have won but were only able to manage a scoreless tie at home. In the game against Nobles, Andover played well but had trouble capitalizing on scoring opportunities. “We dominated,” said Kara Hollis ’07, but the undefeated Nobles team proved to be tough competition. PA created a lot of opportunities, but the ball never found the back of the net, mostly due to Nobles’ strong defense but also because of errors on Andover’s part. Andover’s match against Nobles was its second tie of the season. The girls expect to win their remaining five matches. If the team does so, Andover could still qualify for the Championship tournament. After last Wednesday’s game, the girls are in a prime place to attain this with a 4-3-2 record. Andover’s strong play led to more satisfying results in Wednesday’s game at St. Paul’s. Coming out strong, Andover had St. Paul’s on the ropes by halftime with a 3–0 lead. The goals were made by Castellot, Sarah Dewey ’07 and Emily Little ’09. The first of the goals was a shot from the top of the eighteen by Jenna. Dana Feeny ’08 had the ball at half field and attempted to send a through ball. It bounced off a defender, but Jenna was able to recover it and dribble it up. From the right side of the field, at the top of the eighteen, Jenna placed it on the left side netting, scoring Andover’s first goal. The second goal was an amazing shot from Sarah Dewey. In this play, Jenna took the ball to the goal line on the right side of the field and made a nice pass to Dewey. Dewey then one-timed it perfectly into the top left corner of the goal to secure yet another goal for Andover, now in the lead 2–0. The last goal left Andover with a very comfortable lead. Catherine Coppinger ’09 crossed it in to Emily Little, who headed it into the goal. The second half was a defensive half for Andover as it held its 3-0 lead. St. Paul’s was not a bad team; Andover just played well. St. Paul’s had some opportunities, but goalkeeper Alexandra Farrell ’09 played a tough game in net. In Tuesday’s practice, starting goalie Emily Weedon ’07 injured her right shoulder, making her unable to play against St. Paul’s. Farrell took her place for the game against St. Paul’s and did not disappoint. At one point, a St. Paul’s striker was dribbling towards the net with only Farrell in the way. The St. Paul’s striker then shot it at the goal behind Alex’s right side. Farrell made an incredible dive, punching the ball out of play and keeping the shutout. The level of play Andover showed at St. Paul’s is the level they hope to be playing with on Saturday at NMH. “We’re gonna shut ‘em down,” said Captain Roxanne Knapp ’07. Rosie Raymond-Sidel ’08 predicted a 6–0 victory for Andover. With these high hopes, Saturday’s game looks promising for the Girls Varsity Soccer team.
