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Andover dominates rivalry match with Acton-Boxboro

Tuesday, October, 03 By David Willis
Staff writer

ANDOVER — The members of the 2017 Andover High swim team may not have experienced the losses, but they know the stories of the Golden Warriors’ rivalry with Acton-Boxboro.

The Warriors heard about the 2007 heartbreak, when Acton-Boxboro snapped Andover’s 99-meet winning streak that dated back to 1999.

Then, there was 2013, when the Colonials ended a 55-meet Golden Warrior unbeaten streak.
“Even though these kids weren’t around, they know,” said Andover coach Marilyn Fitzgerald. “We haven’t lost many dual meets over the years, but when we have lost it’s been to A-B, and that stays with us. This is the meet everyone is up for.”

Andover wasn’t going to allow Acton-Boxboro to add another heartbreak to that list on Tuesday.
The Golden Warriors dominated, winning every swimming event — losing only the diving — on the way to a convincing 98-80 victory at their home Greater Lawrence Tech Pool.

The two powerhouse programs each entered the meet with a 6-0 record on the fall.
“Everyone was really primed for this meet,” said Fitzgerald, who improved her career record to 270-20-3 since taking the job in 1992.
“There were some truly phenomenal performances tonight. These were times that you see at the end of the season, not in early October. It was really amazing.”
Acton-Boxboro vs. Andover has long been the premiere rivalry in Massachusetts High School swimming. In addition to the two streak-snapping wins, the Colonials also dealt the Warriors losses in 2008 and 2014.
But Andover did not leave 2017 in doubt.
Leading the Warriors once again was the sister duo of Jordy and Emily Clements.
Emily won the 100 backstroke (1:00.19) and 100 freestyle (54.55) and swam on the winning 400 freestyle relay. Jordy took the 100 breaststroke (1:11.88) and swam on the winning 200 medley relay. Both Clements swam on the winning 200 freestyle relay.
“You just kid of expect that kind of day from those two,” said Fitzgerald. “They are that good.”
But they weren’t the only stars.
Vic Ambrose earned wins in the 500 freestyle (5:15.37) and 200 IM (2:09.80), Mia Galat won the 100 butterfly (58.64) and 200 freestyle (1:56.81) and they teamed up on the 200 medley and 400 freestyle relay. Sophia Ju took the 50 freestyle (25.49).
“Our girls swam amazing,” said Fizgerald. “We took 1-2 in the 200 IM with Vic and Ashley Grover, who is a freshman. We have never done that. And Mia was amazing. She is our lone captain and is the whole package. I am so proud of all our girls tonight.”