ANDOVER – Buckling down when the going gets tough isn’t the prettiest of art forms, but a vital tool for the belt of any contender.

The No. 8 Andover field hockey team (6-0-1) pulled that tool out Wednesday night, overcoming a gritty, bend-don’t-break defensive showing from Chelmsford to edge out a 2-1 Merrimack Valley Conference win in rain-soaked conditions.

Shannon Paul’s game-winning goal on a corner penalty with 3:49 left snapped nearly 35 minutes of a scoring standstill, finally finishing off a myriad of promising Golden Warriors offensive chances the Lions (4-2-1) staved off deep in their defensive territory.

That included a shot off the post, 10 saves from Chelmsford goalie Brooke Cannata, several sends to attackers right in front, and 11 Andover offensive corner opportunities.

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