Monticello’s girls lacrosse team got the postseason started in a big way Tuesday night, rolling past Fluvanna County 19-2 in the Region 4A quarterfinals.
More important than the decisive final score though for Monticello? Simply the flow that the Mustangs have finally found.
“The last two games are the best that we’ve looked all season – we’re really using each other, communicating and playing that high intensity lacrosse that we’ve always expected out of this team,” said Monticello coach Langley Sloan. “They’re showing up right at the right time.”
Alison Swartout and Kendall Gibson got things going on offense with four goals each, with Swartout, a Delaware-bound senior, also tallying a pair of assists. Junior Addy Garrett picked up a hat trick on just four shots. Freshman Lauren Garrett triggered the offense with 10 draw controls, three assists and a pair of goals for the Mustangs. The efficient, effective offensive play combined with some intense, lockdown defense showed the Mustangs understand what’s at stake now that it’s win-or-go-home.
“I think we’re growing up and just realizing how special this group of seniors is that we have and what they’ve done for the program — we’re not ready to be done,” Sloan said.
Campbell Murray picked up a team-high six ground balls and Ava Barnes snagged another four while Alice Bagley forced three turnovers.
Monticello took a 10-0 lead into halftime and kept pushing in the second half, but Fluvanna managed to scratch out a couple of late goals from Emma Russ and Jordan Drumheller.
Anna Messinger scored two goals for the Mustangs, while Ellie Houchens, Kaitlyn Boyer, Bella Rowan and Eleanor Clemons had one goal each to round out the offense.
Monticello faces the Powhatan/Monacan winner later this week in the Region 4A semifinals on the road. That game was postponed to Wednesday.
