Greenwich Academy field hockey team edged by Phillips Academy Andover in NEPSAC Class A semifinals

By David Fierro on November 21, 2021 • ( Leave a comment )

Greenwich Academy received great leadership and play from senior captains Jordan Pittignano, Elizabeth Dale and Cameron Brower this season. GA was defeated by Phillips Academy Andover in the semifinal-round of the NEPSAC Class A Tournament.

After defeating Tabor Academy in overtime in the quarterfinal-round of the NEPSAC Class A Field Hockey Championships, Greenwich Academy was one win away from traveling to the finals.

Yet a three-goal second half put Phillips Academy Andover into the title game instead.

Sixth-seeded Greenwich Academy’s strong season came to an end with a 3-1 loss to second-seeded Phillips Academy in the semifinal-round of the NEPSAC Class A Championships on Saturday at the Rivers School in Weston, Mass.

“Both teams came ready to play and it was an intense back and forth game,” GA coach Jamie Brower said. “Both teams had speed and skill and the first goal didn’t come until after halftime.

Phillips Academy Andover, the tournament’s No. 2 seed, took a 1-0 lead at the 10:11 mark of the third quarter. Senior Aimee Seppenwolde scored off a scramble in front of the net, giving Philips Academy a 1-0 edge.

Four minutes later, the Gators tied the score at 1-1. Greenwich Academy’s Laeticia Cartellieri scored off a pass from Jordan Pittignano, tying the score at 1-1 with 4:11 remaining in the third quarter.

Goalie Ellie Volpe of Greenwich Academy kept the score 1-1 for a while, making numerous saves off breakaways and off pressure from close range. Phillips Academy Andover took the lead for good just over a minute into the fourth quarter.

Seppenwolde scored again, this time off a breakaway, giving Phillips Academy a 2-1 edge. GA came close to knotting the score.

“We had some man-up opportunities and couldn’t capitalize on the cards,” Brower said.

With 8:44 left in the game, Molly Boyle put in a corner shot, giving Phillips Academy a 3-1 lead and to seal the win. Volpe, a junior, made 10 saves for Greenwich Academy, which finished its season with a record of 17-1. GA advanced to the NEPSAC finals by eliminating third-seeded Tabor Academy, 1-0, in overtime on Wednesday.

“We are so proud of the team, and their effort all season,” Brower said. “The seniors, Elizabeth Dale, Jordan Pittignano and Cameron Brower have led this program in a way that will trickle down for years to come, and we are so thankful.”