RallyNorth.net

ANDOVER | Andover wanted to open the tournament with a statement.

"We knew going in that we are the sixth seed, and that is a lot lower than we have been in the past," said Golden Warriors tri-captain Kelly Driscoll of her club, which was a top-3 seed the last three years. "We wanted to come out tonight and show that, even though we have lost a few more games, we're still the same team we have been."

As Abby Cook took her place in the Andover High net for the first time this season late in Monday's win, closing out her road back from injury, the loudest cheers came from the player she replaced in the game, Golden Warriors starting goalie Jules Konjoian.

Behind 10 different goal scorers, Andover easily downed Haverhill, 11-3. Midfielder Rosie Forster (two goals and an assist) and Kylie Nagy (defense) led the winners.

Even without being at the game, Andover girls lacrosse coach John McVeigh made his presence felt yesterday afternoon against archrival North Andover.

"He was texting us on the way to the game, telling us what to look for, how he wanted us to play," said Andover tri-captain Kelly Driscoll. "He had us ready."

Katelyn Caro knew something was wrong.

"During one of our playoff games my freshman season I collided with another player while on defense," she said. "I still had my hands on my stick, so I landed really hard on my shoulder. But I continued to play, and played the following game, which probably wasn't smart."

2007 record: 21-2, lost Division 1 North semifinals

Returning starters (8): Ilana Cohen, Sr., midfield; Kelly Driscoll, Sr., midfield; Jordy Shoemaker, Sr., midfielder; Katelyn Caro, Sr., attack; Jess Forster, Sr., attack; Abby Cook, Jr., goalie; Catherine Gross, Jr., midfielder; Heather Sullivan, Jr., attack