Thursday, January 11, 2007 Older Editions

AHS ROUNDUP: Defense is the key to early-season wins

By Rick Harrison

Backboned by what is undoubtedly one of the most talented and stingiest defenses in the state, the extremely young-in-age-but-mature-in-performance Andover High girls hockey team has opened the season with an impressive seven-game undefeated streak, which includes a tie and six straight wins.

The Lady Warrior skaters, fresh off victories over Masconomet Regional of Topsfield (4-1) and Waltham (2-0), had allowed only six goals in the first seven games (0.86 goals-against average).

"We have what I think are the two best goalies (Christina Cahill, Megan Pettoruto) in the state, and a great defensive corps," said AHS head coach Bill McCarthy. "They're going to keep us competitive in every game.

"Because of our youth I wasn't quite sure what to expect - but so far it's been everything we hoped for and more."

Shutouts have been posted - both by Cahill - against Billerica and Waltham while Marblehead, Westford Academy, Everett and Masco have scored only one goal each. Chelmsford (3-2 win) is the only team to find the net more than once.

In addition to the goaltenders' skills, the shots-on-net have been kept to a minimum by a veteran blueline crew headed by seniors Samantha Monson and Capt. Becky Johnson, junior Asst. Capt. Trish Martin and sophomore Danielle Paonessa.

"They are just dominating play and making it very difficult for opponents to set up good scoring opportunities," said McCarthy.

The head coach looks like a prophet when you consider his spot-on pre-season breakdown of his team.

"We're not gonna blow anyone out but we're going to be competitive with everyone. Offense wins games - defense wins championships.

"We see a lot of potential with this group - but we have to approach things from a whole different perspective because we don't have the big (scoring) guns. It may be baby steps at first.

"Our primary objective is to qualify for the (MIAA Division 1) tournament," said McCarthy.

At 6-0-1 overall - with the season one-third over - AHS needs just seven of a possible 26 points in its remaining games to make the tourney for the sixth straight year.

With the re-introduction of 8th graders to the team, most of whom are only 13 or 14 years old, the most amazing thing may be that Andover is succeeding with a roster consisting of seven eighth graders, three freshmen, seven sophomores, only one junior and five seniors.

One of the freshmen, Sarah Oteri, leads the team in scoring with 10 goals through seven games. Eighth-grader Laura Drew has scored thrice.

It's a huge adjustment from youth hockey to varsity hockey - with the players much bigger, stronger and faster - but so far it seems to be a natural progression for the fresh-faced AHS crew.

"It seems to suit everyone just fine," agreed McCarthy.

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The undefeated bubble may have burst last night (Wednesday), after Townsman presstime, when the locals played Arlington High at Veterans Rink in Arlington.

"I scouted them earlier today and they're strong," said McCarthy after the 2-0 win over Waltham. "It could be our toughest test yet."

Five of the remaining 12 regular season games are rematches against teams AHS has already beaten once.

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In other weekly highlights, the Andover girls gymnastics team opened its season with a resounding win over Lowell and the girls track team rolled past Chelmsford in an MVC Division 1 dual meet.

GIRLS HOCKEY

The 2-0 victory over Waltham at Phillips Academy's Harrison Rink also kept Andover atop the newly-renamed cooperative Greater Boston/Merrimack Valley Conference standings at 4-0.

Schedule

Next Monday afternoon (2 p.m.) the locals face GBL/MVC rival Billerica on the road at Billerica High's Hallenborg Pavilion.

Wednesday, Lincoln-Sudbury will be at PA's Harrison Rink (7:30 p.m.) as the season reaches the halfway mark.

Scoring leaders

Sarah Oteri had 10 goals and four assists through seven games, while Becky Cairns boasted five goals and three assists, Heather Paonessa four goals, three assists and Laura Drew three goals, three assists.

Andover 4

Masconomet 1

With senior forward and reliable scorer Becky Cairns sidelined by the flu, the Lady Warriors' offense was bolstered by 8th grader Laura Drew and junior defenseman Trish Martin who both pocketed their first goal of the season to spark AHS to the non-league victory at Phillips Academy's Harrison Rink.

Drew actually scored the first two goals of her fledgling varsity career - both in the middle period - with the first snapping a scoreless tie and the second turning out to be the game-winner.

"We normally play a physical brand of hockey," said coach McCarthy. "But this game went beyond chippy and really got pretty rough.

"There were 16 penalties - eight called against each team - and there could have been more. Fortunately we came through it OK (no injuries).

"We missed Becky's leadership and her scoring ability," added McCarthy. "But a few kids stepped up offensively - which gives us a more balanced attack and several more threats."

After a scoreless first period, Drew made it 1-0 just 35 seconds into the middle session with assists to sophomore forward Heather Paonessa and Martin.

Masconomet tied it 1-1, spoiling sophomore netminder Megan Pettoruto's shutout bid, with a somewhat controversial goal by Danielle Hall at 12:16 of the period.

The dispute was whether the puck crossed the goal line or not.

"We didn't really argue because there was no way we were going to win (the discussion)," said McCarthy.

The deadlock lasted only 81 seconds before Drew connected again at 13:37, the setups to Heather Paonessa and senior defender and Capt. Becky Johnson.

Third-period insurance goals were netted by Martin, with Johnson collecting her second assist at 6:37, and freshman forward Sarah Oteri unassisted at 12:04.

Oteri stole the puck and scored on a breakaway, beating a Lady Chieftains' defender before shifting to her backhand and slipping the shot behind goalie Fran DeLuca.

"The first three goals were all from scrums around the net," noted McCarthy. "Good digging and persistence on our part."

Pettoruto made nine saves and DeLuca had 31 as AHS finished with a wide 35-10 shooting advantage.

Andover 2

Waltham 0

Senior All-Conference goalie Christina Cahill stopped all eight shots she faced on the way to her second shutout.

Sarah Oteri netted the only goal necessary, her 10th of the season, at 4:06 of the first period with the assist to senior linemate and Capt. Becky Cairns.

Eighth-grader Laura Drew added the insurance at 6:05 of the middle stanza. Sophomore Heather Paonessa had the assist.

"We have several set plays off the faceoff," explained coach McCarthy. "One is the 'overload' where we flood one side and try to get the puck to the far post.

"It worked to perfection on this goal - with Heather and Laura executing it flawlessly."

After that defenders Samantha Monson, Becky Johnson, Trish Martin and Danielle Paonessa kept thwarting the frustrated Waltham forwards and keeping the Lady Hawks from producing any dangerous opportunities.

"We just outplayed them," said McCarthy matter-of-factly.

AHS finished with a healthy 25-8 shooting advantage as Waltham dropped to 3-4-1 overall.

BOYS HOCKEY

Senior All-Conference right wing and Capt. Tucker Mullin continued to sizzle, scoring back-to-back hat tricks in wildly-different road games as the Andover High boys hockey team split a pair of Merrimack Valley/Dual County League Division 2 contests.

The Golden Warriors, playing their fourth and fifth straight on enemy ice, blanked Lincoln-Sudbury, 4-0, at the New England Sports Center in Marlboro before dropping a 5-4 decision to host Haverhill at Veterans Rink.

Those results left head coach Mario Martiniello's crew at 4-2-1 overall and 2-1 in league play.

The loss to reigning division champ Haverhill, along with a 1-1 tie between Tewksbury and Lincoln-Sudbury, kept those four teams within two points of one another in the standings.

Schedule

Last night (Wednesday), after Townsman presstime, the Golden Warriors faced an interesting challenge on the road at MV/DCL Division 1 school Billerica.

The youthful Indians started the season well - but entered the AHS game 3-4-1 overall and in the throes of a three-game losing streak.

Saturday afternoon MV/DCL 2 foe Methuen will be at the Valley Forum in Lawrence (3 p.m.), and next Wednesday AHS hosts Middlesex League member Wakefield for the first time ever in a non-leaguer at the Forum (7 p.m.).

Scoring leaders

Tucker Mullin, who has figured in each of Andover's last eight goals (six goals, two assists), leads the team with 10 goals and 10 assists.

Linemate John Hyslip is next in line with eight goals and eight assists.

"Tucker is lighting the world on fire right now," said coach Martiniello. "He's playing like a man possessed."

Andover 4

Lincoln-Sudbury 0

Senior first-line right wing Tucker Mullin netted a hat trick and helped set up the other AHS goal, while senior goaltender Dan Abreu recorded his first shutout of the season as the Golden Warriors posted the MV/DCL 2 victory at the New England Sports Center rink in Marlboro.

Sophomore forward Cam Smith notched one goal, while junior first-line center John Hyslip passed out three assists.

Abreu was particularly sharp in the second period when L-S threw 13 shots at the net and he stopped them all.

"It was a great team effort," said coach Martiniello. "Everyone saw the ice, everyone contributed and everyone played well even though it was Tucker piling up the goals and John had the assists.

"We jumped out quickly with three (goals) in the first period - but they had some excellent opportunities in the second period and Danny made the big saves when we needed them.

"Tucker's third goal (early in the second period to make it 4-0) seemed to take the fight out of them," added Martiniello.

Mullin wasted little time producing the only goal the Golden Warriors would require on this night, scoring just 2:16 into the game with an assist to All-Conference senior defenseman Dan Godefroi.

Smith connected on the power play at 9:42, after a beautiful set-up pass from Hyslip, who was fed by Mullin to start the play.

Mullin made it 3-0 with 48 seconds left in the first frame (14:12), taking a breakaway pass from Hyslip before faking L-S goalie Liam McInerney to the backhand side and depositing the puck.

Sophomore defenseman Riki Retelle picked up the second assist.

Mullin's backbreaker at 4:35 of the middle period completed his trick, as he swept in a one-timer after another near-perfect setup pass by Hyslip.

"Mullin and Hyslip occasionally skated on the same line for us last year," said Martiniello, "and they play together off-season for a midget team.

"They've jelled from the first day of practice - and the best thing is they've been taking turns setting each other up. One game it's Tucker passing to John - and the next time the roles are reversed. On any given day you can't tell which role each will take.

"Today Tucker had three goals - but earlier this season John had a four-goal game," noted Martiniello.

AHS finished with a slim 26-23 shooting edge, Abreu posting 23 saves for the shutout and McInerney making 22 stops for the L-S Warriors.

Haverhill 5

Andover 4

The Golden Warriors outshot the winners by a more than 2-to-1 margin (46-20) - but still did not come away with the victory.

Tucker Mullin once again turned in a hat trick, opening the scoring just 1:20 into the game with assists to Colin Brennan and junior defenseman Kevin Drew.

Haverhill (3-2-2, 1-1-1 league) tied it later in the first period, and took a 2-1 lead 12 seconds into the middle session before John Hyslip tied it at 2:46 after a set-up from the ever-present Mullin.

The Hillies pocketed the next two goals to regain a 4-2 lead into the third, where Mullin pulled the locals even for the third time with goals less than four minutes apart at 7:34 and 11:07.

Dan Godefroi and P.J. Paonessa set up the game's lone power play connection, before Hyslip's perfect feed led to the equalizer.

Haverhill moved ahead for the third and final time with just 2:25 remaining, as Brandon Fredette completed his hat trick with the game-winner.

Andover pulled goalie Zach Frish in the final minute but did not score.

"We had a bunch of chances at the end," said coach Martiniello. "The story of the game, without question, was their goalie (Josh Blum). We outshot them, 46-20, and you're not supposed to lose when you do that."

The beleaguered Blum finished with 42 saves as the locals outshot Haverhill 13-6, 18-10 and 15-4 by the periods.

Dan Abreu played the first 30 minutes for AHS and made 12 saves, while Frish worked the third and added three stops.

GIRLS GYMNASTICS

Freshman newcomer Jen Quirnbach was the all-around winner, while three Lady Warriors placed first in one event each to lead the Andover High girls gymnastics team to a season-opening 136.10 to 118.10 Merrimack Valley Conference dual-meet romp over Lowell.

It marked a successful debut for first-year head coach Kristen Vadala and assistant Tracy Vadala.

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AHS, coming off a 9-2 dual-meet season and 7th-place finish in the North Sectionals, has now won 65 of its last 68 dual meets since Feb. 4, 1999 and is 127-8 in its last 135 and 148-16 in the last 164.

Julie Chapman retired as coach after 17 years as head and 18 overall with the program.

Chapman's teams won nine MVC and two North Sectional titles and an All-State championship in 2000.

They qualified for the Sectionals 16 times, placing top four on seven occasions, and her teams were also top four in the state four times.

Andover put together a winning streak of 52 straight dual meets, which was broken two years ago.

Schedule

AHS has a tough assignment tonight when powerhouse Dracut comes to the Dunn Gym, and next Thursday night the Lady Warriors are on the road at Methuen (both meets 7 p.m.).

Andover 136.10

Lowell 118.10

Jen Quirnbach, in her varsity debut, chalked up a 34.10 as Andover's lone all-around competitor, with her performance highlighted by a first place on the uneven bars (8.8), second in floor exercise (9.0), tie for third in vault (8.3) and tie for fourth on balance beam (8.0).

Senior veteran Becky Robichaud also looked sharp with a second place on balance beam (8.7), third in floor exercise (8.9) and tie for third in vault (8.3).

Also winning individual events for AHS were sophomore Kristen Coneeny in the vault (8.7), and senior Renee Coiro with the meet's top score of 9.1 in floor exercise.

Senior Carly Verrette, who has been nursing an ankle injury, was second on bars (8.6).

Coneeny (8.5) and junior Kathryn Sullivan (8.1) placed third and fourth on bars, senior vet Casey Jaroche third on beam, and Coneeny fourth in floor (8.8).

Jenn McCullough paced Lowell with a win on beam (8.8), second place in vault (8.4) and second all-around (33.70).

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Gone from the AHS roster through graduation are 2006 team members Sarah Coneeny, Katie Infantine, Donna Lamontagne, Stephanie Theroux and Sonal Mehta.

Junior all-around Christina Muccio decided to switch her concentration to indoor track this winter, where she is a standout sprinter.

ALPINE SKIING

It's been a frustrating first six weeks for the Andover High boys and girls alpine downhill ski teams - both of whom had season-opening North Shore League meets postponed earlier this week.

The unseasonably warm weather and lack of snow has kept all area ski teams off the slopes.

The AHS girls, who have won or shared four straight league titles and won 43 of their last 44 meets, were scheduled to race Austin Prep and North Andover Monday and Bishop Fenwick of Peabody yesterday (Wednesday).

The boys were postponed Tuesday versus Masconomet Regional of Topsfield and today against North Andover and St. John's Prep of Danvers.

At Townsman presstime no makeup dates had been announced.

"Nobody I've spoken to can ever remember a season like this," noted veteran Golden Warriors' head coach Tom Busta.

"We started dry land training, as usual, the Monday after Thanksgiving. We had a great turnout - 72 total boys and girls candidates - and we've been doing running and film sessions religiously as we always do.

"If you can believe it, we've been to Bradford (Ski Hill) four times," continued Busta. "We have not been able to set gates yet, which is no different than the basketball team not even taking a foul shot yet, or the hockey team skating around without their sticks.

"We're all a little frustrated - but there is nothing we can do about it," observed Busta. "Cold weather should be here soon. Don't mess with Mother Nature. I'm just glad I don't sell snowmobiles for a living.

"We're keeping a positive attitude and hoping to get the meets underway soon. We have our fingers crossed for the boys' meet versus Haverhill on the 16th."

The boys are listed to face Haverhill next Tuesday and Bishop Fenwick Thursday if the weather cooperates, while the girls have Haverhill on Wednesday.

All meets are at Bradford Hill with 3:30 p.m. starts.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Ah, sweet revenge.

Top-ranked Andover scored a huge Merrimack Valley Conference victory recently, wearing visiting archrival Lowell down late in the second half on the way to a 67-58 win over the previously-undefeated Red Raiders.

The triumph kept coach Jim Tildsley's Lady Warriors, now 6-2 overall and 5-0 MVC 1, atop the league standings while Lowell fell to 7-1 overall and 4-1 MVC.

The victory also avenged an agonizing one-point 62-61 loss to Lowell in the Greater Lawrence Christmas Tournament semifinals seven days earlier and snapped a rare two-game losing streak - the first of its kind since midway through the 1999-2000 season.

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The rubber game of the season - which could ultimately decide the MVC 1 championship, will be Feb. 4 in Lowell at the Riddick Memorial Field House Abraham Gym.

Schedule

Andover, which has not played since beating Lowell, returns to the court tonight at Chelmsford before taking another week off prior to next Thursday night's home game against Billerica (both 7:30 p.m. tipoffs).

Scoring leaders

Laura Renfro has 117 points through the first eight games, while Meghan Thomann boasts 109, Maggie Cosgrove 76 and Lauren Hughes 66.

Andover 68

Lowell 57

It was another war between these two evenly-matched powers, who entered the game ranked No. 1 (AHS) and 4 in the latest Eastern Mass. poll.

Meghan Thomann's season-high 29-point explosion was a major factor as the Lady Warriors established control early - building an 11-point halftime lead - and then withstood a second-half Lowell comeback that trimmed the difference to as few as three points on several occasions at the Dunn Gym.

Thomann had another stellar night shooting long-range missiles, hitting 5-of-10 three-pointers while also adding nine rebounds and three assists.

The locals pounded out to a 34-23 halftime lead, with most of the up-tempo action at a breakneck pace. It was back-and-forth for the first 11 minutes - with Andover taking control and extending the advantage during the final five minutes of the period.

Once again AHS couldn't stand prosperity - as Lowell began chipping away after the break before eventually running out of gas with a couple of injuries to key personnel and the Lady Warriors' depth big factors.

Kelley Rogers' 3-pointer for Lowell made it 47-44 with just over nine minutes remaining.

Back-to-back trifectas by Laura Renfro, who finished with 17 points including five threes, and Thomann on consecutive trips up the floor quickly boosted the lead back to nine (53-44) and the locals had clear sailing from that juncture.

"I have to move without the ball or I won't get open," said sharpshooter Thomann. "When we get into our offense and move the ball around we can always get a good shot."

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AHS did get in foul trouble - sending Lowell to the line 27 times in the second half and 39 overall - but the Red Raiders were frigid at the stripe as they converted only 10 after the break and 15 in the game, which kept them fighting an uphill battle all night.

Backing up junior guards Thomann and Renfro, who combined for 46 points, was junior center Lauren Hughes with nine points.

Capt. Maggie Cosgrove, slowed by a recent bout with the flu, contributed seven points, Ilana Cohen three, Amanda Fantini one field goal and Camille Fantini one free throw.

Lowell, minus sidelined standout Meaghan Cavanaugh (ankle injury), was led by guard Ashley Rivera with 20 points and six assists.

Kelley Rogers added 12 points and six rebounds, while Whitney Wilson contributed 11 points, 10 boards.

"They stopped us from getting many offensive rebounds and constantly beat us up the floor," said Lowell head coach Mike Crowley. "Our missed free throws was the most glaring and uncharacteristic stat. We had a lot of tired kids out there at the end. That's why we missed foul shots - not because we're a poor free throw shooting team."

The unavailable Cavanaugh, one of the best players in the league, scored 12 points in Lowell's 62-61 win.

"Andover's a great team," lauded Crowley, "and they played great tonight."

The box score:

ANDOVER 68, LOWELL 57

at Dunn Gym, Andover

Lowell -- Christine McCall 2-1-5, Ashley Rivera 6-6-20, Briana Wilson 2-2-6, Kelley Rogers 3-4-12, Kara Rogers 1-0-2, Whitney Wilson 5-1-11, Kristin Bernier 0-1-1. Totals: 19-15-57.

Andover -- Maggie Cosgrove 3-1-7, Meghan Thomann 9-6-29, Lauren Hughes 3-3-9, Laura Renfro 6-0-17, Camille Fantini 0-1-1, Amanda Fantini 1-0-2, Illana Cohen 1-1-3, Jordy Shoemaker 0-0-0. Totals: 23-12-68.

Halftime: Andover, 34-23. 3-pointers: A, Thomann 5, Renfro 5. L, Rivera 2, Kelly Rogers 2. Records: Andover 6-2, 5-0 MVC 1; Lowell 7-1, 4-1 MVC 1.

Player of the Fortnight

This week's recipient of the Player of the Fortnight award is Ilana Cohen. Coach Jim Tildsley praises Cohen's strong overall contributions to the team. "Ilana has done a super job coming off the bench for us this season. She had a big basket against Lowell, and she's been playing excellent defense. Her practice work ethic is strong, and keeps getting better and better. We are very happy with Ilana's contributions, and look forward to a great rest of the season from her."

The next Player of the Fortnight award winner, this time to a boys team member, will be announced next week.

BOYS BASKETBALL

With undisputed possession of first place in Division 1 of the Merrimack Valley Conference on the line, the Andover High boys varsity basketball team turned in a scrappy performance but couldn't contend with Central Catholic's quickness and depth in a 68-55 loss to the Raiders in Lawrence.

Junior forward Tristan Shannon pumped in 20 points for the Golden Warriors - while Capt. Ian Dempsey added 15 despite being hounded all night - but it wasn't enough.

Head coach Dave Fazio's crew bounced back with a vengeance Tuesday night at the Dunn Gym, celebrating the first of four straight home games with a 70-37 trouncing of Chelmsford.

The split left AHS at 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the division, while Central remained unbeaten in conference play.

Andover must win only three of its remaining 12 games to qualifying for the MIAA Division 1 North Tournament.

Schedule

The locals have another key MVC 1 game tomorrow night (Friday), as they host a schizophrenic Lowell team (6-5, 2-2 MVC 1) that has played like worldbeaters one night and also-rans the next.

Tuesday night the Red Raiders hammered Billerica, 90-52, just days after dropping a 66-64 decision to the same Chelmsford team AHS just whipped by 33.

Next Tuesday struggling Billerica (1-9) will be at the Dunn Gym (both games 7:30 p.m.).

Scoring leaders

Through the first nine games Ian Dempsey has 172 points (19.1 ave.) and Tristan Shannon 106.

Andover 70

Chelmsford 37

The Lions (5-5, 4-3 MVC) came into this game playing their best ball of the season - but left the gym shaking their heads as the angry AHSers took out their Central game frustrations on the overmatched visitors.

Nine players contributed to the scoring for the balanced locals, whose only double-figure performers were Ian Dempsey and Tristan Shannon with 19 and 11 points respectively.

The entire second half became academic when Andover, holding an opponent below 50 points for the fourth time this season, pounded out to a 39-14 lead in the first 16 minutes.

Juniors Peter White and Sam Hutchins both tossed in nine points for the winners, while fellow junior Derrick Beasley netted eight, Jason Perry six, Chris Abreu four, Zach Burdeau three and Greg Cook one free throw.

So relentless was the AHS defense that Chelmsford managed a mere 10 field goals for the entire game, with only two players producing more than one.

Eleven players scored for the Lions with Billy Blaisdell and Nick Emanouil sharing team-high honors at six each.

Central Catholic 68

Andover 55

The Golden Warriors began to slip behind late in the first half, trailing 40-25 at the break, and Central (7-2) was able to maintain the double-digit difference throughout the final 16 minutes.

After Shannon and Dempsey, Andover was hard-pressed to produce any offense with junior forward Chris Abreu next in line at six points.

Capt. Gordon DuBois tossed in four and junior forward Zach Burdeau three, while junior forward Peter White and junior guard Derrick Beasley added one field goal each, senior guard Jason Perry two free throws and junior guard Sam Hutchins a solo foul shot.

CCHS, whose two losses came in the Christmas Tournament against Lawrence and Salem, N.H., was sparked by Adrian Gonzalez with a game-high 24 points, sophomore Tim Wheeler of Lowell 10, and Walson Constant 10.

The Raiders were without rugged Chris Morales who was off on a football recruiting trip to the University of Delaware.