Monticello girls lacrosse’s bench got particularly loud late in its 22-6 victory over Charlottesville Monday night when Ellie Houchens finished off a goal, following up a few seconds of anticipation hoping Houchens would break through with some wild cheering.
“She’s a freshman defender for me so that was really cool for her,” said Monticello coach Langley Sloan. “She’s so eager to get out there and try and she’s not scared of anything. I think that really is a testament to this team and how much they support each other.”
She was one many scorers for the Mustangs as nine different Monticello players picked up goals while the Mustangs rolled past CHS in the Region 4A playoffs. The top-seeded Mustangs will now host Hanover Thursday in the region semifinals with a state tournament berth on the line.
Caleigh Smith led the Mustangs with five goals and two assists while Allison Swartout and Meghan Walin notched four goals each. Alexis Stadler, Mattie-Caroline Lee and Taylar Hackney each scored twice on the day. Allie Cognata, Ari Oliver and Houchens rounded out the goal scoring with one each and April Carter had a pair of assists.
The Mustangs (13-2) were in a groove from the first draw, which allowed a lot of different players to mix it up and move into different spots. The Black Knights struggled to answer an early barrage and Monticello led 13-3 at the break.
“Tonight was how we were going to set the tone for what team we’re going to be this postseason and they came out guns blazing and really maintained it throughout the game,” Sloan said.
La’Kasia Calloway finished with a hat trick for the Black Knights while Maya Block chipped in two goals. The loss ended the eighth-seeded Knights’ season.
Sara Frances Krebs and Arianna Nixon combined for six saves in the cage for the Mustangs.
The Mustangs will face Hanover Thursday, game-time is to be determined pending Monticello’s soccer results Tuesday.
