Sat, Nov 11, 2017
01:00 PM @
Andover
| Team |
1st |
2nd |
OT |
Final |
| Winchester |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Andover |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
Medwar, Andover win battle of unbeatens in OT
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NORTH ANDOVER — The Division 1 North final was getting nerve-wracking for the Andover field hockey team.
The No. 1-seed Golden Warriors had been outplaying Winchester for much of the game, with more shots on goal, penalty corners and time of possession, but here they were knotted in a scoreless tie heading into overtime against unbeaten Winchester (19-0-1).
It was reminiscent of 2014 and 2015, when Andover was more than the equal of Acton-Boxboro, only to fall in overtime, each time at North Andover High.
“I was nervous ... I love playing here, but we have that (tournament) history,” said Andover coach Maureen Noone.
Agreed senior Katherine Furry: “It was nerve-wracking. We said we didn’t want it to go into overtime and that’s what happened. But we practice 7-on-7 (the overtime format) a lot in practice, so we were confident about it.”
Furry reflected that confidence in overtime.
First, Furry had a nice up-the-field rush that was turned away. Then, moments after Winchester had a chance in front of Warrior goalie Julia Gordon, she received a pass from Jordan Torres and got the ball between two defenders to standout 5-foot-2 freshman Hanna Medwar, who slid the ball in the net for the winning goal.
“I somehow got it to her (Medwar) and we have confidence in her,” said Furry. “She’s like our little secret. I don’t think teams expect much from her.
“This is definitely so amazing. I remember being in the stands as a freshman and thinking how amazing it would be to be here and win.”
Captain Emma Farnham, who combined with Medwar to help the Warriors control the play much of the game, had the same feeling.
“This is the best feeling in the world,” said Farnham. “It was tough my freshman and sophomore years.”
Andover now advances to the state semifinals Tuesday (time TBA) at Braintree against South champion King Philip, which defeated Somerset 1-0.
Game time is p.m. The winner will play in the state finals Saturday at WPI.
Crucial Torres move
“This was a huge accomplishment,” said Noone. “The calls weren’t going our way and one rush down the field can beat you, but the girls kept at it and it paid off.
“We put Jordan on defense (for overtime) and I think that really helped us.”
In the first half, Andover outshot Winchester 3-1. The Golden Warriors had a 4-1 advantage in the second half and even controlled play when they were shorthanded, which happened when they took three penalties, two of which were questionable.
For overtime, the Warriors used their talented core of Medwar, Farnham, Torres, Gabby Vaccaro, Kate Gregory and Furry along with goalie Julia Gordon.
“We have some talented kids and a lot of versatility,” said Noone. “It’s one of the best groups I’ve had for sure.”
The North title is the first for Andover since 2011, which is the year Andover won its second straight state title.
Andover 1, Winchester 0 (OT)
Div. 1 North Final
Goals: Hanna Medwar
Assists: Katherine Furry
Saves: A — Julia Gordon 2; W — Brooke Ross 8
Winchester (19-1-1): 0 0 0 — 0
Andover (20-0-1): 0 0 1 — 1
Game Statistics:
Goals: Hanna Medwar
Assists: Katheine Furry
Saves: A — Julia Gordon 2; W — Brooke Ross 8
