The Andover girls lacrosse team traveled to Duxbury last Saturday where they beat the Duxbury High School team. The scrimmage served as a precursor to the Varsity girls’ season, giving a preview of this year’s team. As the clock ticked, the quality of Andover’s play improved. Following the ball end to end, the midfield players did not receive much rest between high offensive and low defensive plays during the first half. While Duxbury transferred the ball to its offense with speed not easily matched, it rarely scored off the fast break. Captain Tess Scott ‘06 noted, “The defense did a great job eliminating the fast break by slowing down the ball in the midfield.” Andover successfully thwarted Duxbury’s offense with its settled defense. Kit Harris ’07 had a memorable knock-down at the top of the arc before retrieving the ball and sending it up field. The half ended with winning by the score of 4-3. Though during the first half Andover seemed a bit over-eager to shoot, the offense settled in the second, creating great scoring opportunities together. Margaret Moore ’06 took advantage of the opportunity, adding one to Andover’s score, along with Captain Scott who scored her first goal. Whitney Annicelli ’06—who went to Duxbury High School and played lacrosse there—kept possession of the ball patiently, even when tripled teamed by her former teammates, waiting for the right pass or shot. Caroline Moore ’07 shot one past the goalie on an eight-meter, all of which added to the seven goals scored in the second half. As center, Carolyn Pollard ’07 controlled the draw deftly, repeatedly sending the ball to offensive midfielder Alyse Kennedy ’06 who grabbed the ball away from her opponent. Seeing this pattern, Duxbury began to line up on the circle surrounding Kennedy. Noting the shift in positioning, Pollard sent the ball to an open Andover player on the opposite side of the circle. This led to a sequence of great passes, and a goal scored. Coaches Kate Dolan and Megan Harlan noted that the team that wins the draw wins the game. And here, it showed. Captain Julie Wadland ’06 had a great game in net, saving many tough shots, allowing only four to get by her. Both Captains recognized the need to break out the ball from Andover’s defense and midfield to offense from goalie clears—one of Wadland’s many strengths. The game ended with an impressive score of 11-4. In general, Captain Tess Scott says, “We have been improving with each practice and I am confident that we have the potential and certainly the talent to be a very successful team.” Unfortunately, Andover’s scrimmage with Middlesex was snowed-out last Wednesday. Tomorrow Andover faces off against Nobles in an away game starting at 2:30. Come watch their first home game Wednesday, April 12th when Girls Lacrosse hosts Deerfield at 3:30.
