RallyNorth.net

Andover takes control

Wednesday, September, 28 By Dave Dyer
Staff writer

NORTH ANDOVER — It may not be intentional, but the Andover field hockey team seems to be using the philosophy that the best defense is a good offense.
Using their tremendous speed up front, accompanied by an aggressive style, the unbeaten defending Division 1 state champion Warriors (7-0) were at it again yesterday, blanking local rival North Andover 4-0. Following Monday’s 3-0 win over Chelmsford, it was the second undefeated team they knocked off in two days.
Through seven games, Andover has now outscored its opponents 36-0 and, for the most part, dominated play.
North Andover (4-1-2) actually had the better of play in the first eight minutes of the game, and had at least one good scoring chance, but it was all Andover for the final three-fourths of the game.
Anne Farnham opened the scoring at the 18:06 mark on an assist from Taylor Farris, added a second goal six minutes later and then assisted a Jaclyn Torres goal to make it 3-0 at halftime.
The second half was loaded with scoring chances for Andover, with Meagan Keefe scoring the only goal. For the game, Andover had a whopping 16-2 advantage in corners.
“Once we adjusted to how they were playing, and played as a team more, I thought we dominated,” said Anne Farnham. “We feel we have a strong forward line, but we have confidence in our defense when the ball goes down to the other end.”
But, with forwards Anne Farnham, Torres and Keefe all over the field, and midfielders like Kate Farnham backing them up, the ball doesn’t go back often. Anne Farnham and Keefe already have 10 goals on the year, with Torres right behind with seven.
“I guess that’s how it’s turning out,” said Andover coach Maureen Noone when asked if her team’s defense results from its offense. “We put on a lot of pressure and Jaclyn and Meagan do an excellent job of coming back for the ball.
“At this point in the season, I feel pretty good with the way we’re playing.”
North Andover coach Courtney Breen, meanwhile, had no complaints with her team, especially with the way it played in the first part of the game.
“I thought we might catch them and get a goal, but that’s a great team with speedy forwards,” said Breen. “Andover has the ability to take over a game, and that’s what you saw. But I thought our defense played well and I don’t think the score does justice to how we played.
“It’s not even October and I like the way we’re playing for a young team.”