Andover back on point to D1 semifinals
It hasn’t been an easy season for Andover, the two-time defending Division 1 field hockey champion. A young roster, a new head coach, combined with injuries, resulted in an up-anddown season.
“There was just something missing in the beginning, but we really got our act together,” said Andover sophomore Ella Sewall.
But Andover, the second seed in Division 1, is hitting its stride at just the right time.
Using two goals and an assist from Sewall, the Golden Warriors shut out No. 7 Algonquin, 3-0, in a quarterfinal Friday night at Andover High School.
Bella DiFiore got Andover (18-2) on the board in the first three minutes, assisted by Sewall. From there, Algonquin gave Andover a fight, limiting opportunities and playing strong defense.
Down by a goal, Algonquin (15-3-3) had possession in the early minutes of the fourth quarter, but Andover’s defense pressed the Titans. Once the Golden Warriors got the ball back, Sewell’s slapper on the right side of the net made it 2-0 with 7:35 to play. Four minutes later, Sewell scored again on a corner.
“For Ella to do that twice, I’m so happy with her,” said first-year coach Bridget Morris. “We had a little talk earlier on that she needed to get to post, and she did.”
Wachusett 4, Central Catholic 2 — Emmy Johnson set up Lindsey McGurl for the tying goal two minutes into the fourth quarter, then Johnson tallied twice to propel the third-seeded Mountaineers (16-1-4) to the quarterfinal victory in Holden. Junior Kerri Finneran scored both goals for Central (16-2-1).
Walpole 1, Bishop Feehan 0 — The top-seeded Porkers (20-1) survived their quarterfinal against No. 8 Feehan, advancing on Kate Schneider’s strike in double overtime.
“It was definitely a mental win,” said Walpole coach Jen Quinn. “You have already played a full game and you’re tired. It comes down to mental toughness.”
Division 2 State
Hingham 3, Minnechaug 0 — Sam Ruddick, Haylen Wilson, and Sienna Brackett scored and Becca Kardoos recorded the shutout for the No. 4 Harborwomen (18-2-1) in the quarterfinal win over No. 5 Minnechaug (16-3-1). Norwood 3, Doherty 0 — Ava Hines got the scoring started, Shea Larkee potted two goals, and Ava O’Neil’s seven-save shutout propelled the second-seeded Mustangs (19-2) into the semifinals for the first time since 2002.
Division 3 State
Dover-Sherborn 4, Falmouth 0 — Avery Hadfield, Evie Schneider, Annie Liebhoff, and Avery Bent scored as the third-seeded Raiders (172-2) stormed into the semifinals with a dominant showing against No. 6 Falmouth. Sandwich 2, Foxborough 1 — Khloe Schultz scored in overtime to power the fourth-seeded Blue Knights (20-0-1) to a quarterfinal win over the No. 5 Warriors (17-3-1). Sandwich will face top-seeded and undefeated Watertown in the semifinals.
Watertown 7, Dennis-Yarmouth 0 — Senior Molly Driscoll rifled in three goals, and Caroline Andrade, Nola MacKenzie, Adrianna Williams, and Victoria Dicker tallied as the topseeded Raiders (20-0) rolled to the quarterfinal win at Victory Field, the program’s 73rd straight victory while extending their national record to 40 consecutive shutouts.
Division 4 State
Manchester Essex 5, Hopedale 0 — The second-seeded Hornets (17-1-3) advanced to the semifinals for the third year in a row behind goals from Abby Kent, Molly Schimpf, Torrin Kirk, Caelie Patrick, and Sadie Potter.
Girls’ soccer
Division 1 State
Brookline 2, Wellesley 1 — Trailing 1-0 with less than 10 minutes to play, Anna Leschly netted the equalizer for the fifth-seeded Warriors (16-3-2), who got the overtime winner from Sydney Freese to advance to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Sunday’s match between top-seeded Natick and No. 9 Concord-Carlisle.
Division 5 State
Hull 7, Hopedale 0 — Three goals from senior Veronica Fleming and two goals and an assist from junior Elly Thomas were more than enough for the third-seeded Pirates (16-2-2) to win their 16th straight and advance the semifinals for the first time in team history.