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Andover field hockey hands Walpole first loss

The Andover field hockey team faced down its biggest test of the season and passed with flying colors, handing Walpole its first loss of the season by a score of 4-1.
Tori Roche had a hat trick to lead the Warriors, scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes to give Andover a 2-0 going into halftime, and then after the two teams traded goals early in the second half, she scored a third late to put the game away.
Andover coach Maureen Noone said getting the lead early was key and allowed the Warriors to dictate the pace the rest of the way. Specifically, Andover was able to sub out its forward line frequently, which helped the Warriors stay fresh in the unexpectedly hot temperatures and tire out their Walpole counterparts.
"Coming in they were confident but they still had a lot of respect for Walpole," Noone said. "They got there early, they were maybe a little anxious at first, but getting a goal seven minutes in really helped change the conversation."
In addition to Roche's hat trick, Caroline Curtin had a goal and an assist, Jillian Hughes had two assists and Emma Farnham had one assist.
Andover improves to 10-1 with the win and will host Methuen on Wednesday at 7 p.m.