GVS thriller, with 2-1 W over Exeter, ends season on a high note
GVS ended their season as they hoped - with an exciting 2-1 win over the Big Red in front of an enthusiastic crowd on Saturday wrapping up a tremendous season at 9-5-2.
From the first whistle, GVS sought to keep control offensively, pushing numbers forward as they have all season long generating 33 goals in 16 games. Ninth grade phenom Emily Mara '25 helped put the Big Blue on the scoreboard first. Five minutes in, Mara beat her back on the right wing and sent a fantastic ball to on-coming striker Lily Haik '22 who slotted a one time ball into the near post past the Exeter keeper.
The remainder of the first half continued to be an exciting battle with more chances created by the Big Blue including a blast from 30 yards out by Marie-Eve Marleau and an off-the post shot by Mara, keeping the Exeter keeper and defense on their toes.
With under five minutes to play, Exeter drew at PK but the ball rattled off the post and the teams entered the halftime with the Big Blue ahead 1-0.
The second half of play continued to excite. Mid-way through the second half, Exeter blasted a shot from the top of 18 to knot the game at 1-1. As has been the case all season long, the bigger the challenge, the greater the effort from the Big Blue. Front runners Kendall Toth ‘24, Marie-Eve Marleau ‘22, Myra Bhathena ’22, Lily Haik ’22, and Emily Mara ’25 kept the pressure on in the final third. With just under ten minutes left to play, center back Lola Ademilola ’22 sent a great ball forward just outside of the 18 yard box. A rushing Exeter keeper was met by Myra Bhathena ’22 whose gritty play led to a loose ball that Emily Mara ’25 picked up and blasted into back of net for 2-1 lead. Leading the team with one goal and one assist, Mara was named Player of the Game.
Andover fought all the way to the final whistle and celebrated with their amazing fans and families a Big Blue win. For four year seniors and co-captains, Myra Bhathena ’22 and Mary Stuart Kerrigan ’22 finished their careers with a 2-0-1 record versus the Big Red!
So many shout-outs are in order. First and foremost to our 12 amazing seniors who set the tone and provided all the fun and leadership to make this an unforgettable season: Myra Bhathena ’22, Mary Stuart Kerrigan ’22, Emily Kelly ’22, Lily Haik ’22, Tori Darling ’22, Eliza Dow ’22, Marie-Eve Marleau ’22, Kennedy Smith ’22, Esme Huh ’22, Athalia Esty ’22, Liberty Stam ‘22 and Lola Ademilola ’22. These seniors have paved the way for an incredible group of returning players who will pick up where this season has left off in 2022. Shout out to uppers Kate McCool, Emma Robinson, Lulu Rourke, Sofia Traversari and Kelly Bu, lowers Jazzy Cormier, Kendall Toth and AJ Alicea AND 9th grader Emily Mara. AND of course, our awesome senior managers, Cathy, Emiliano, Ariana and Chenault! No doubt, GVS’ future is BRIGHT.
It was amazing to see a number of former GVS players on the sidelines, Emily Hardy ’20, Isobel Glass ’21 and Lillie Cooper ’21 as well as their parents. Words cannot express our gratitude to our 2021 parents and family members who have been with us every step of the way. And finally, to Noureddine and Amy Wiggins – we couldn’t do this without you. #whateverittakes #GVSfamforever