In the first and third quarter, points were awfully hard to come by, and that’s when things played into Monticello’s favor. But the second and fourth quarters were entirely different, and thanks to a pair of timely 3-pointers from Paige Breeden and steady scoring from Alex Cave and Alexa Smith, the Greene Dragons picked up a 45-35 win after seven days of rest.
“Points were hard to come by early but we knew Monticello was going to play us well being at home,” said Monroe coach Phillip Lamb. “They always play hard and are a well coached team and knew we weren’t going to have the same things go on from when we played them the first time. Fortunately for us, our defense came through for us all game.”
Monroe and Monticello battled it out early with just ten total points being scored by either team in the first quarter and the Mustangs heading into the second frame up by two. But things heated up from there as Bridget Holleran and Brittany Haun paved the way for Monticello while Smith and Cave did the same for Monroe.
Up by four out of the break, the game tightened up again with both teams trading baskets back and forth and the Mustangs getting to within three points to head into the fourth quarter. Monroe close the door in the fourth though as they finally got to the free throw line after having just foul shot attempt until the third quarter.
Cave and Smith finished with 13 and 12 respective points. Breeden and Brianna Allenn each chipped in six points.
For Monticello, Holleran led all scorers with 17. Haun was next closest with six.
Monroe hosts Orange County on Monday at 6 p.m.
Monticello will be at home against Goochland also at 6 p.m.
