Monticello’s volleyball team hit the reset button after a frustrating game three Monday night in the Mustangs’ clash with Louisa County.
“They came out hard in the first two games, they fought and in the third game got a little bit comfortable,” said Monticello coach Meg Carpenter. “All credit to Louisa for fighting back, it was a good experience for them to see that and know that we can’t change anything, we have to keep fighting and standing tall.”
The Mustangs regrouped after the 25-14 loss in game three and fought to a 25-21 win in game four to wrap up a 3-1 victory over Louisa.
“I’m impressed they were able to pull it back, get refocused and kind of find that fight they had at the beginning,” Carpenter said.
The Lions taking a game off the Mustangs was particularly impressive because Louisa did it without the services of setter Rebecca Peasley, who was injured early on. That left the Lions, who don’t have a backup setter, scrambling. Caroline Guill stepped in to fill the void.
“We threw Caroline in and she did a fantastic job,” said Louisa coach Rachel Green.
The Lions’ resilience says a lot about a program that only boasts a pair of seniors on the varsity roster and has a lot of room for growth.
“They showed each other they have the heart and determination to do whatever it takes to play,” Green said. “It’s too bad we didn’t pull out the win with the adrenaline we had going but for them to pull together, they did a fantastic job.”
Monticello recovered though after the Louisa win and gutted out a 25-21 victory to close out the match in the final game. The Mustangs got a big lift at the net on defense, where Mariah Brown finished with six blocks.
“Kendell and Mariah, they’ve both done a good job of not only working together but seeing the block,” Carpenter said.
The Mustangs also brought the necessary enthusiasm after each of them. Volleyball requires a certain energy from a team after big plays and Monticello found that energy, particularly down the stretch and on those blocks.
“They’re doing it and getting really excited,” Carpenter said. “It’s not just the point, but getting excited about the point that brings the team together and (gets them) motivated to keep moving on. Those were the big swings we needed to keep staying in the game.”
Monticello’s Walin finished with eight kills to lead a balanced offensive attack. Haley Brown had five kills, Ellie Quick had four kills and Mariah Brown notched four kills to go with her six blocks. Allie Cognata finished with four kills as well.
Jewell Pugh had a huge all around game at setter for the Mustangs. Pugh had 20 assists, six digs and three aces on the night. Morgan Marshall chipped in with nine assists, three digs and two aces while Moneka Lawson had three kills and a block.
