B6
The Phillipian
SPORTS
November 9, 2012
Andover / Exeter
2012 Fall Preview
Boys Soccer
Field Hockey
Andover Boys Soccer will need to add a win to its record tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. to increase its chances of reaching the playoffs next week. “Unfortunately, we have dug ourselves in a pretty big hole so far this season. Whether we make the playoffs or not is out of our hands; the only thing that we can worry about right now is executing well against Exeter,” said Nick DiStefano ’14. Boasting a 14-1-1 record, Exeter packs a powerful punch that few teams have been able to overcome this season. At 10-4-2, however, Andover is well prepared to accomplish its goal. With seven post-graduates and 10 out of its starting 11 players either post-graduates or Seniors, Exeter has an experienced veteran core. Despite Exeter’s strengths, Andover has beaten Exeter the past two times the teams have met. In the league semifinals last season, Andover defeated Exeter with a score of 3-1. More recently, Andover beat Exeter by a score of 2-1 at this season’s Team Prep Camp. Tomorrow’s matchup will surely be closer, but Andover’s skill on the ball and one-and-twotouch passing may put the home team over the edge. “We know that we have to take this game and that they [Exeter] are bent on avenging our last two victories against them. We have to get back to relying on the fundamentals and play with all of our hearts,” said Kene Adigwe ’14.
Andover: 10-4-2 Exeter: 14-1-1
Girls Soccer
Riding on momentum from recent success, Andover Field Hockey hopes to power through a very evenly-matched Exeter team at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Exeter’s record currently stands 8-6-2, and it has lost four out of its last five games. By contrast, Andover has stepped up its playing style and won four out of its last five games against very challenging teams. Andover will go into the Exeter game with a record of 7-4-3. “We are trying extra hard in practice and focusing on specifics that will help us win. We are doing something really fun for the pep rally that is only bringing the team closer together, and it is getting us excited for the game,” said Anna Fucillo ’15. The stakes are high for this game because the outcome may decide whether Andover will make the playoffs. “Our whole team is pumped to play, and we are ready to go out and win. We will not settle for anything less than a win. We do not play not to lose—we play to win,” said Nikoletta Toffoloni ’15. This game is Andover’s last game of the regular season, and a victory will end the Andover Field Hockey careers of Seniors Kristin Mendez ’13 and Captain Cara Daly ’13 on a strong note.
Andover: 7-4-3 Exeter: 8-6-2
Volleyball
Andover Girls Soccer has the possibility of squeezing into the playoffs if it defeats Worcester Academy on Friday and Exeter on Saturday. This incentive will add even more intensity to the Saturday rivalry game. After beating Exeter 3-0 last year, Andover is motivated to sustain its A/E win streak. “Exeter is always a huge game for us, being our last game of the regular season and of course being Andover/Exeter. This year is a bit different, because we have a game on Friday against Worcester, the reigning league champions, before this Saturday. Because of this, our focus right now is on that game instead of A/E,” said Co-Captain Piper Curtis ’13. Andover has been hitting its full stride lately and looks to carry momentum from its 4-1 win last Saturday against Pingree over to the rivalry game. “I do know that it should be an amazing game for us. We have a lot of players coming back from being injured, including one of our captains [Curtis], so everyone is pumped. This is the last game of the season, and although that makes us sad, I couldn’t be more excited to play this Saturday,” said Jessica Vocaturo ’13. Andover will face off against Exeter in its final regular season game at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow.
Andover: 7-6-3 Exeter: 9-7-1
Football
Led by Captain Alexi Bell ’13, Andover Girls Volleyball sprints into Andover/Exeter with deserved confidence after shutting down Exeter in a decisive three-set match earlier this season. Andover withstood Exeter’s aggressive hits and defenses and pulled through in critical plays to win 28-26, 25-11, 25-22. “We learned a lot about Exeter, what blockers are up and how we need to adjust, and we now know targets and their weaknesses,” said Kate Wincek ’14. Andover, undefeated with a 14-0 record, hopes to have a repeat performance and play even better against the always challenging rival Exeter, which currently holds a 6-11 record. “This is my third year playing, so I know it’s going to be a crazy, crazy, day,” said Amanda Simard ’13. “Even though we’re higher in the standing than Exeter is, they come out with fire to play us even when it’s not the big Andover/Exeter day, so I know they’re going to come out guns blazing, playing really hard.” Consistently coming out strong but often losing momentum in the middle of sets, Andover looks to maintain energy throughout the game. Practices have been focused on trying new plays and quicker sets to throw off opponents and keep control. “We’re using our back row hitters as outlets, which is something I don’t think a lot of teams are doing, so it will be unexpected for them,” said Bell. “Being able to run those quicker plays makes it harder for other teams to play defense against us, so I think that’ll help.” Andover faces off against Exeter in the final game of the regular season tomorrow at 12 p.m.
Andover: 14-0 Exeter: 6-11
The nation’s oldest high school football rivalry will resume once again tomorrow when Andover FootExeter: Andover: ball takes on Exeter to write 7-0-0 2-4-0 the next chapter of the 130-year-long tradition. Andover hasn’t defeated Exeter since 2007 and hopes to end this four-game losing streak. Andover’s record stands at 2-4, but both of its wins have come in the past three games, including a 31-0 shutout against Worcester last week. Exeter has had a phenomenal year. Its record stands at 7-0, and it has earned a second place standing in NEPSAC Division A League. “Exeter’s beaten everyone mercilessly. On paper, they are unbeaten, and it hasn’t been close. They are big, strong and fast, and they can run, throw and catch. They’re a great team that has been well coached,” said Coach Leon Modeste. “Exeter is the best team we have faced all year. It will take nothing short of a spectacular team effort to secure the victory, but that is actually what we intend to do,” said Larken Kemp ’13. “We’ve got a lot of heart, [and] we feel like we have a little momentum,” said Modeste. “Since the Cushing game, we have been in every game. This is a rivalry game, so it brings out the emotions. This win would be an upset, and every time we go out on the field, we go out with the mentality to win.” “After all, it only took a small boy with a slingshot and stone to defeat a giant,” continued Modeste, referring to the Biblical story of David and Goliath. The game will take place at 2:00 p.m., and it will be the final game of Andover/Exeter.
“We are all really excited to play Exeter. Rivalry games and the whole A/E environment are always a lot of fun.” Kinsey Yost ’15 Girls Soccer
A/E Schedule Field Hockey 11:00 a.m. Girls Soccer 11:30 a.m. Girls Volleyball 12:00 p.m. Boys Soccer 1:30 p.m. Football 2:00 p.m.
“everyone is raising the energy level...we are prepared to go out onto the field with the support of all our fans.” Nikoletta Toffoloni ’15 Field Hockey