Late Surging Wildcats Fall Short to Andover, 5-8
On a beautiful spring night that was perfect for lacrosse, the Wildcats squared off under the lights against the Big Blue of Phillips Academy in Andover, MA. The home team opened the scoring at the 8:30 mark and then added two more goals before Co – Captain Evan Roberts (West Cornwall, VT) scored with 2:42 left in the first period. Sophomore midfielder Justin Wright (Waccabuc, NY) assisted in the scoring play. Andover struck back quickly in a man up situation to lead 4-1 after one. Kimball Union, penalized three times in the first stanza of play, gave up a settled goal to Andover at 8:04 of the second period. Big Blue then went man down at the 4:00 minute mark during which time attack man Jamie Schmidt (Shelburne, VT) was able to take advantage unassisted and bring the Wildcats to within three. Unfortunately the score was short lived as Kimball Union received two more penalties. Andover was quick to capitalize in both situations, extending their lead to 7-2 at the half.
The third period was almost scoreless as both teams struggled to establish control. Kimball Union, defending in the man down situation two more times, did so successfully but let Andover find the back of their net just as they transitioned back to all even after the second penalty. The third period ended with Andover in control by a score of 8-2.
The fourth period continued to be penalty ridden as both teams received two penalties each. Ironically neither team could score man up. Suddenly the Wildcats came alive at the 10:37 mark as Scott Crawford (Mystic, CT) scored unassisted. Eleven seconds later Ryan Hayes (Darien, CT) was assisted by Andrew Morgan (Charlotte, NC) to bring the Wildcats to within four. Evan Roberts then won the face off, scooped the ball and quickly found Crawford for the final score by the Black and Orange.
In a game that struggled to flow as the penalty flag was dropped a total of 17 times, the Wildcats stopped Andover’s extra man offense eight times in eleven Big Blue opportunities. Conversely, Kimball Union had the advantage of an extra man six times on the night and scored once. Evan Roberts won eight times in fourteen opportunities in the face off ring. Matt Parker (Shelburne, VT) showed significant promise with a long stick as he saw action at both close defense and at the long stick middie position. Co-Captain Trevor McGraw (Meriden, NH) worked tirelessly with teammates Colin Young (Dedham, MA) and Brian Orr (Medford, MA) as they battled on the defensive end throughout the evening, Robert Bleakley (Lexington, MA) had nine saves on the night and turned in a solid clearing performance.
The team enjoyed great parent support throughout the contest and wish to thank the Maher family for cordially hosting a wonderful post game dinner at their home in Andover.
The Wildcats play their third game in four days tomorrow (Alumni Day) as they host the Hebron Academy Lumberjacks, from Lewiston, ME, on Pope Field. The action is slated to begin at 3:30.
