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No. 3 Andover took the lead early on a Jacqui Haney goal, but the Golden Warriors fell to Billerica/Chelmsford 3-2 in the MVC Cup Division 1 girls hockey final. Kalli Archambault scored the other goal for Andover (7-4).

METHUEN — As the match stretched through overtime and a shootout before culminating in sudden death, it was evident neither girls hockey team was ready for this (hopefully) once-in-a-lifetime season to end.

METHUEN – Not surprisingly, the girls hockey season opened with uncertainty for one of the state’s top programs. Just two years removed from a state championship, Methuen/Tewksbury began its Covid-abbreviated season with a roster loaded down with unproven eighth graders and freshmen.

Andover's Lauren Adams scored first but Methuen-Tewksbury 8th grader Brooke Harb countered with two goals and Jessica Driscoll one in a 3-1 Red Ranger win.

Down by two goals entering the third perios, HPNA ralied to tie Andover, 3-3. Shelby Nassar, Kaitlyn Bush and Cassy Doherty.

Methuen/Tewksbury handed Andover its first loss of the season, 2-0, with eighth grader Brooke Harb scoring both goals in the second period and Michell Kusmaul making 29 saves.

Eliza O'Sullivan and Rose MacLean both scored twice and Lauren Adams had four assists as Andover continued to roll, whipping Haverhill/North Andover/Pentucket, 8-2.

METHUEN – Forced to play an abbreviated hockey schedule, getting off to a hot start could supply all the momentum needed for a successful 12-match season.

And no team in the area has started off faster than the Andover girls, who have scored 14 goals in their first two games.