A Spectacular Day on Graves Field for GVS
GVS was thrilled to host Choate on their favorite home field, Graves. The week leading up to today's game included Monday futsal, Tuesday JV-Varsity Scrimmage, a well-needed Wednesday day off and then, two tremendous training days where the team emphasized smart, quick play and mental toughness.
All the hard work paid off as GVS pulled off their most complete, exciting 80 minutes of play to date and earned a hard fought win over Class A powerhouse, Choate Rosemary Hall.
Earning their first GVS starts of the season were seniors Kennedy Smith and Tori Darling and they, alongside their teammates, played with confidence and inspiration. Midway through the first half, senior midfield Liberty Stam came off the bench to score a beauty from the top of the 18 yard box - exactly the ball and play the team had been training for over the last weeks. Liberty would not be denied and this goal - and Liberty's relentless spirit - earned her Player of the Game.
Of course, Choate came out with high pressure as the second half began - pushing four forward and immediately caught Andover off guard with a quick result off a corner 30 seconds into play. Led by co-captains Myra Bhathena and Mary Stuart Kerrigan, the girls didn't lose focus and their game plan to play smart, possession soccer.
Both teams pressed forward and Andover earned two back-to-back corners late in the second half. Myra Bhathena read the ball beautifully from her fellow captain Stu and finished on the far post in a scrappy play to push the lead to 2-1 which would prove the difference maker.
To no surprise, Choate kept the pressure on and GK Sofia Traversari-Sotomayor yet again came up huge with spectacular, near goal save with only seconds left to play.
The back line play of Lulu Rourke, Bhathena, Emily Kelly, Tori Darling and Lola Ademilola truly made the difference as they continually shut down a dangerous Choate front line. Midfielders - Stu, Kelly Bu, Stam, Emma Robinson, Jazzy Cormier, Esme Huh - played their best to date, their hard work in training paying off.
Up front, Smith, Emily Mara, Lily Haik, Kendall Toth and Marie-Eve Marleau continue to play a high press, exciting final third game.
To be clear, everyone on GVS trained all week to bring the team to this moment today and we are proud. Thanks also to Coach Noureddine and Amy Wiggins who work behind the scenes to make sure each player is ready to go on game day! They too are part of the magic as are, of course, our amazing managers: Ariana, Chenault, Emliano and Cathy
Thanks to the parents of Lily Haik for our delicious D'Agnostinos post-game sandwiches and as always, Mr. Kelly for amazing pics. So great to see so many family and friends on the Graves sidelines not to mention Coach Joel's daughters, Jolly and Emma! Onward we go to Brooks School on Wednesday!
GO BIG BLUE!