A couple of programs headed in new directions locked up Friday night, and in a matchup of new head boys lacrosse coaches, Monticello got the better of Charlottesville with a 6-3 win.
Monticello’s Chase Phillips netted the first goal at the eight-minute mark, penetrating the defense with a roll dodge early in the first quarter. That goal started as solid run, and at halftime, the Mustangs held a 3-1 lead.
“We played tough defense tonight. We [also] played a lot of pick and rolls, which is what we wanted to do. We just really need to clean it up,” Phillips said.
Charlottesville’s sole goal of the half came in the second quarter as James Duva found the back of the net, but The Black Knights came out of the break aggressive, winning the opening faceoff. They capitalized minutes later with a Graig Coffin goal. Their triumph was short-lived however, when Monticello answered back less then a minute after.
Despite holding a big advantage with 32 total shots, 12 on goal, Charlottesville struggled to finish. Monticello’s Kennan Miller finished with nine saves on the night in an impressive performance, Charlottesville (1-2), under new head coach Drew Craft, managed to make its presence known. Senior midfielders Ray Parker and junior Daniel Intolubbe-Chmil gave the Black Knights plenty of opportunities, but couldn’t find the net against what proved to be a solid defense, ultimately falling short.
Overall, Monticello (2-1), with 23 shots, 10 of them on goal, was able to control both the pace and flow of the game. Both teams were even with 22 ground balls, but the Mustangs clearly controlled the tempo, holding control of the perimeter. Also, the Mustangs were able to show some versatility, with all six of their goals coming from six different players.
“We did better executing in the second half.,” said Monticello coach Don Healy. “The score may not necessarily reflect it, but we did. Also, Kenny was a beast tonight.”
This early in the season, neither first-year coach is absolutely sure what to make of his team, but Healy should get a better grasp in the near future.
“Realistically, we’re reaching for a .500 season. Our style has been an iso-approach to the game, which is very dinosaur,” said Monticello coach Don Healy. “I don’t have a feel for the season yet but I’ll definitely have a better perspective after this weekend.”
Monticello will play the E.C. Glass (3-1) at home tomorrow while Charlottesville faces a winless James River team.
“We have eleven seniors on this team. Our goal has been to try to give them the option to go beyond high school and play at a collegiate level. I was just talking to Charlottesville’s coach and we want to get these kids involved and looking into the future, creating higher stakes gives them more incentive,” Healy said.
