2004 Alumni Game

Exeter  5 Andover 4
Andover, MA - For the sixth consecutive year. The Exeter lacrosse alumni defeated the Andover alumni on the morning prior to the varsity game. This was a particularly inspiring 5-4 victory given the huge numbers advantage Andover enjoyed on their home turf. While Exeter was outnumbered by a more than 2 to 1 advantage in squad size, the cool weather allowed Exeter to stay reasonably fresh and able to run with the opposition. Another key to Exeter's success was the versatility of most players playing more than one position. Zach Lehman was outstanding in the goal as usual, but also played some attack. Goalie Jeff Miller yielded the cage to Zach and Beau Standish, and instead picked up a short stick and played attack. Beau also played long pole and short stick when he was not in the goal. Current All-NESCAC defenseman from Amherst, Greg Donohue, was the outstanding defender on the field, and often stayed in the game and played offensive middie with his long pole. The scoring was well distributed with Eamon Smith scoring twice, while Gavin Nurick, Casey D'Annolfo, and Eamon Aghdasi all chipped in with a goal apiece. The defense was outstanding. Rob Weber was back playing for the first time in a long while, and he looked liked like he has been playing every day. He delivered several hard body checks in a game that became surprisingly physical. Kevin Mahoney was outstanding as always at both close defense and long pole middie. The great defense, combined with the outstanding goalie play of Zach and Beau, enabled Exeter to go ahead 3-0 at halftime. Andover came back hard in the 2nd half and was able to tie the score, but Exeter responded and always stayed one goal ahead. The alumnus who has played in the most of these contests, and was the most senior alumn to return, was Joe Cook from the class of 1980. He continues to play steady and smart defense despite the fact that he is now past 40 years old. Great job Joe!! It was great having both young and "old" alumni together to keep the win streak alive. Hopefully, we will have even more participation next year when the BIG RED goes for their seventh in a row.
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