Haven Sullivan ’22 was injured in the beginning of the season, but was an active presence cheering on the sidelines at each game.
After trailing 2-0 early in the game, Andover Softball came back to defeat BB&N 3-2 this past Wednesday.
Being undefeated prior to playing Andover, BB&N proved a tough opponent, but Andover’s resilience proved tougher, and the team feels proud of its comeback victory, according to catcher Jacque Harrington ’20.
“[W]e knew it was going to be a tough game. The game started with us losing 2-0, but after taking advantage of their errors and some clutch hitting, we battled back and won,” said Harrington.
Co-Captain Rachel Moore ’19 added, “Our highlight [of the week] was definitely beating BB&N. They have been our biggest rival ever since they beat us in the Big East finals last year, so it was really exciting to get the win.”
Andover played several other games this past week. After losing to Concord-Carlisle 8-7, Andover went on to beat Phillips Exeter Academy 3-0, Worcester 16-5, and Deerfield 15-1. The team’s record now stands at 7-2.
Over these past few games, the team has focused on playing a complete game and limiting mistakes, according to pitcher Emma Slibeck ’20.
“In the beginning of the season there were a few games where we came out really strong, especially off of the plate, and then we’d lose a little bit of focus and energy. There would be one inning in the field where things kind of got away from us. So, in the past few games, we’ve really been working on minimizing errors and not compounding mistakes,” Slibeck said.
According Harrington and Slibeck, the team has benefited from a slew of strong performances by standout players in its recent wins.
“Emma Slibeck has been pitching very well this season, Rachel Moore has had an electric bat, and Cassidy Musco [’19] has done a very good job in the outfield,” said Harrington.
Slibeck continued, “Jacque Harrington behind the plate always does an amazing job and she is also really aggressive at the plate and she’s one of our best hitters. Two or three games ago, there was a foul ball that was hit behind the plate and she dove backwards and caught it. It was all very exciting. Hannah Cuff [’21] is our lead-off hitter and she has gone three for three in each game for the past three games, I think.”
According to various players, Head Coach Lindsay Maroney ’07 has been another key piece to the team’s winning record.
Harrington said, “Coach Maroney has done a really good job identifying where are weaknesses are and how to fix them. She gives great feedback and always is thinking one step ahead.”
“If someone steals home or there is a big hit, then her reactions coaching third are usually pretty funny because she’s really passionate about the game. She also has been really focusing on aggressive base-running because she coaches third base when we’re hitting,” added Slibeck.
According to Moore, Andover has improved significantly over the course of the last week.
“The team has played really well these past few games both offensively and defensively. I think our success has stemmed mostly from reducing errors in the field and making the necessary plays,” Moore said.
The team will face Concord-Carlisle at home this Thursday.
