Leading up to Saturday’s game, the Andover Girls Lacrosse team had not lost a game since St. Paul’s on April 17. However, the team’s six game win streak came to an end when Andover fell to Loomis Chaffee 8-9. With 4.7 seconds left, Loomis was able to put home the game winning goal after rallying late in the second period. Throughout the game the score had only been tied twice; the teams were tied at 1-1, as well as at 8-8 with four minutes remaining. Going into the second half, Andover was up 6-4, and the outcome of the game looked very promising as Andover was in control throughout the first half. In the beginning of the second half, Andover was able to capitalize on fast breaks and take the lead 8-6. Caroline Garrity ’15 led the scoring with five goals. Ashlyn Aiello ’14, goalie, also played well and made numerous saves. One of these saves included a scoring chance from a Loomis player who sprinted down the sideline and cut to the net, ripping a shot high. It appeared to be heading right over Aiello’s shoulder. At the last second, however, Aiello caught it and started the counterattack for Andover. “[Aiello] is unflappable. She doesn’t get flustered ever, and her poise and toughness energizes all her teammates. Big saves on defense often lead to goals down for our offense,” said Coach Kate Dolan. Garrity said, “When we face adversity, everyone gives their full effort and focuses on ‘basic’ lax-ball control, movement on and off the ball and open shots.” Although this game was a bump in the road, Andover was able to bounce back on Wednesday and steal a 10-6 win at Thayer. “This team has a fortitude that I can’t really express or describe—you can’t see it but you can feel it,” said Coach Dolan. Andover started off against Thayer down 3-0. However, the team was able to change the dynamic and score four unanswered goals to tie the game at halftime. Andover went on to dominate the second half and win. Cara Daly ’13, Captain Hailey Novis ’13, Kaitlin Poor ’13 and Giovanna Pickering ’13 were all big contributors against Thayer, helping to focus the team and rebound. Aiello had another great performance, allowing only one goal in the second half. Aiello said, “Loomis ran an aggressive defense, and that definitely prepared us to face doubling and even tripling from Thayer.” Seven different Andover players scored against Thayer. Olivia Cabral ’14 led the offensive attack with five goals. “We’ve made great progress since the start, and I think we’ve discovered the inner values and heart of our team. We cheer for each other, play for our school and win for those we love. We win when we’re all in tune with each other and working towards one goal, and each W that appears on the record feeds our determination to add another,” said Aiello. “We struggled at times and have been challenged, but tough times show your true character, and [on] this team, each individual gives and competes for her teammates. They are rock solid and their hearts are true blue,” said Dolan. Andover faces off against New Hampton next Saturday and looks to grab another win on the road.
