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Historic Rebound: Monticello boys lacrosse bounces back to beat AHS

Photo by Kristi Ellis

After their loss against Western Albemarle Tuesday, the Monticello boys lacrosse team needed to regroup ahead of their clash with Albemarle Friday night. 

 

The Mustangs bounced back in a big way, picking up an historic  4-3 win on the strength of a hat trick from senior Cooper Hauser and junior Lucas Garrett notching the game-winning goal late. It’s believed to be the Mustangs’ first win in program history against the Patriots.

 

The Mustangs were playing without Lucas’ brother Nick Garrett in the cage for the first time in years due to an injury.

 

“We really played tonight for him. It is really fitting that his younger brother who is also a captain scored a game winning goal for us tonight,” said Monticello coach Tucker Tapscott. 

 

Nick, a senior captain and four year starter at goalie, suffered a shoulder injury during their game against Western Albemarle. The keeper has been under Tapscott’s wing since he was in the seventh grade, when he began coming to his practices. 

 

“The Garrett family in general is just a real staple in the Monticello boys lacrosse program,” said Tapscott. “I couldn’t do what I do as a coach without Dave Garrett, one of my assistants, and then his sons have just been leaders and role models to every kid on my team.”

 

In place of Nick, senior Corey Dudley got into gear and stepped up as goalie, stuffing a series of shots attempted by Albemarle. This season is Dudley’s first season on the field as a member of the boys lacrosse team. 

 

“He actually came from our baseball program as a catcher and he is one of the best kids I have met in my entire life,” said Tapscott. “He brings energy, he brings life. He told our team tonight that he was putting his on the line, so they needed to put theirs.”

 

According to Tapscott, Dudley brings many important qualities to the team like great leadership, being prompt and on time, and leading by example. 

 

“He has all the intangibles to be a great young man,” said Tapscott. 

 

Nearing the fourth quarter, Albemarle had only scored one goal by sophomore Owen Tighe. With Monticello up by two, Albemarle got locked in and scored two straight goals by freshman Brock Stroud and sophomore Kevin Myers in the fourth. Monticello and Albemarle were tied until Lucas Garrett score the game winner for the Mustangs. 

 

Monticello’s boys lacrosse team didn’t just want to play one game for Garrett, they’re dedicating their season to the senior keeper. After losing his junior season due to COVID-19 and now losing his final season to an injury, the Mustangs have honed in on one goal. 

 

“Nick Garrett was about to have an amazing season as a senior who missed out on his junior season,” said Tapscott. “We are definitely devoting it to him.”

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