Barnes scores the lone goal, and Monticello stifles Maggie Walker to earn 3-seed in Region

Monticello, coming off a close defeat at Meridian High School, played with unwavering determination against Maggie Walker. Their impenetrable defense (11 shutouts in 18 games) nulled every bid at scoring from the Green Dragons en route to a 1-0 victory in the region third place game.

First Half

The offense was scalding hot out of the gate, promptly pushing the ball near the Maggie Walker Goal. Following two blocked shots, resilient forward Haedyn Barnes proved the third time is the charm, putting the Stangs on the board just two minutes into the game. MHS had two more golden opportunities late into the first quarter, but the MW goalie thwarted both attempts.

Freshman midfielder Gisele Harris saw an extended role in the playoff game. Harris displayed a bright future through her quickness and ball-control; A team with seventeen seniors needs a rising star.

Maggie Walker was fortunate they only gave up one goal, as the MHS offense had close to ten shots on goal. A shot late in the first half was saved by a position player's stick. This stop concluded a frustrating sequence as the Stangs could not add to their lead despite many valiant attempts.

MW was on the brink of scoring with just 30 seconds in the first half, but Barnes hounded the ball relentlessly until the whistle. Not bad for her first time covering corners. When asked about the play, Barnes said: “[covering corners] was pretty different, [but the team] went out hard and it worked out well.”

Second Half

The second half showcased a lockdown on both sides of the field. Goalie Ava Barnes, a certified brick wall, was not tested much, only facing one opportunity to save the ball. Kudos to: Rylee Clay, Campbell Murray, Amelia Lewis, Caroline Kaminski, and Reese Murray. These five were intertwined throughout the game; providing fluid support in the defensive half.

Time seemed to stop for the final minutes of the game. MW turned one corner into four, and kept sending attacks toward the MHS goal. The visiting Green Dragons looked at a chance to tie the game in a contest that had seemed one-sided, but a swarm of defenders helped to stop MW for the final time. The Mustangs gathered around Ava, ecstatic after defending the onslaught.

Final Score: Monticello: 1 Maggie Walker: 0

Monticello will travel to Poquoson Tuesday in the State Tournament Quarterfinals. "The team is excited for the game and really wants to win," said Haedyn Barnes. The team advances to the state tournament for the second straight year. They want to cap off a successful season for a group that has been together for quite a while.