Sports

Seven Seniors Lead Final Win Over Exeter

After Andover Girls Lacrosse netted just its second win of the season at the midway point of the spring, Co-Captain Nekele McCall ’14 said to her team, “Our overall goal as of now is to make sure we play a full 50 minutes. We are prone to go on runs, but then let other teams go on runs. We need to work on our consistency and make all of our possessions count.” Her words did not fall on deaf ears. Going 5-3 on the rest of the year, Andover flipped a switch and battled back to finish the season just barely under .500 at 7-8.

In what was something of a theme across campus this past weekend, Andover finished its season on a high note with a win against Exeter.

On Friday afternoon, Andover suited up against Exeter to kick off the Andover/Exeter weekend. Exeter came out strong from the opening whistle, taking an early 3-0 lead. After quickly falling behind, Andover had clawed back into the game by halftime, trimming the deficit to one in a 6-5 game.

In the second half, the tide started to turn. Led by McCall and a core group of Seniors, Andover came out firing against Exeter.

Andover went on an 8-2 run in the second half to complete the comeback. McCall, Meredith Collins ’14, Garrity ’15, Beth Krikorian ’17 and Eliza Quigley ’15 all scored in the second half.

In addition to the talent and grit displayed in this final game for Andover, the seniors showed their poise and leadership in the win.

This June, Andover will say goodbye to seven key members of the team: Olivia Cabral ’14, Bridget Higgins ’14, Hannah Guzzi ’14, McCall, Amy Morin ’14, Collins, Ashlyn Aiello ’14 and Morgan Hollowell ’14.

McCall led the team not just with strong character, but strong results on the field. Hollowell and Collins controlled the midfield with vision and veteran poise. Amy Morin anchored the defense. Cabral and Higgins rounded out the Seniors on attack,.Guzzi constantly tested opponents’ stamina with her speed. Aiello held strong in goal.

Olivia LaMarche ’16 said, “The Seniors worked their hardest in everything they did, whether in practice or in games. They were so supportive of every player and created a great team dynamic. After disappointing losses, they would come out to the next practice ready to shake off the loss and crush the next opponent. Nekele was an amazing Captain on and off the field, leading the team with her hard work, determination and encouragement. The Exeter game was a great way to end the season.They will be missed next year.”

Andover has six rising Seniors on the roster to lead next year’s team. Next season, Andover will look to count on veteran leadership and build on the strong example set forth by the Class of 2014.