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Even without Thomann, Andover doesn't miss a beat

Monday, December, 24 By Alan Siegel
Staff writer

Andover may be hurting, but it didn't seem to matter.

With Bentley College-bound senior guard Meghan Thomann sidelined with a quad injury, the Golden Warriors still rolled past North Andover 69-54.

"It's different," senior guard Laura Renfro said. "It's nice to have the comfort of her being out there."

Renfro more than made up for Thomann's absence, scoring a game-high 25 points.

Senior forward Camille Fantini was excellent. She scored 11 points and sparked the Andover attack with accurate outlet passes.

"She's really stepping up and playing with a lot of confidence," Andover coach Jim Tildsley said.

The absence of Thomann also gave point guard Natalie Gomez a chance to show her skills.

The freshman scored 11 points and, despite a few blips, ran the offense deftly.

"She moves the ball well," said Tildsley, whose club will play defending champion Lowell in the first semifinal Friday at 6 p.m. "But she makes freshman mistakes too."

North Andover freshman forward Erika Zahoruiko was tough down low, scoring a team-high 16 points. Sister Nicole, a junior forward, chipped in 15 points for the Scarlet Knights, who will play Salem in the consolation round Friday at 2:30 p.m.