RallyNorth.net

Andover wins championship in OT; Snaps A-B's 45-game streak

Saturday, November, 13 By Kevin McDonald
Staff writer

NORTH ANDOVER — Jillian Manning screamed as she saw the ball go into the goal.

“It was a great feeling,” said Manning. “We worked so hard all game and it was great to win like that.”

After Laura Dimitruk sent the game into overtime on a goal with a minute left in regulation Manning, who left the game early with dizziness, scored the game-winning goal moments into overtime to give Andover a 2-1 victory over Acton-Boxboro in the Division 1 North final.

This marks Andover’s first Division 1 North crown and first trip to the Division 1 semifinal since The Eagle-Tribune began keeping records in 1989. It also snapped the unbeaten, defending state champion Colonials' 45-game win streak.

The Golden Warriors (22-0) advance to the Division 1 state semifinal, to take on South winner Walpole (22-0) in a battle of undefeateds.

“If we can beat Acton-Boxboro we can beat anyone,” said Manning.

The senior midfielder, however, spent most of the first half on the sidelines.

“She had to leave the first half because she felt dizzy,” said Andover coach Maureen Noone. “It was the first time all year that she had to leave a game.”

The illness, however, wasn’t about to keep Manning off the field.

“I did feel dizzy,” said Manning, “But I just had to push through it and keep playing.”

The game was scoreless until the 16th minute of the second half, when Molly Feit of Acton-Boxboro fired a shot into the goal.

Andover goalie Dina Hagigeorges, however, was outstanding the rest of the way with seven saves.

“Dina had a lot of scrambles in front of the net, but she held her ground beautifully,” said Noone. “She played really well in net for us. We went with Dina because she has more experience.

“During the season, we weren’t really challenged defensively. But throughout the tournament, they have done such a great job. Our defense has gotten to the point where they can trust each other and cover for each other when someone goes down.”

Dimitruk then struck with a minute remaining in regulation, off an assist by Anne Farnham. Farnham then set up Manning for the game-winner in OT.

“(Manning) is such a modest player,” said Noone. “She was thrilled that she scored, but she would have been thrilled if someone else scored.

“They have great confidence in each other. It amazes me that they are that confident out there.”

Noone and her squad now turn their attention to Walpole.

“I can compare them with Acton-Boxboro,” said Noone. “They are a strong team. They are traditionally a powerhouse and they have more experience with the state tournaments. I feel like if we play our best game and everyone is healthy, then we can beat Walpole.”