Two quick scores in third quarter lifts Monticello over New Kent in field hockey home opener

New Kent’s Peyton Lilley winds up on a penalty corner, taking advantage of it for the Lady Trojans’ first score of the season.

Robb Johnson photo

The 2021 home opener for New Kent High School’s Lady Trojans field hockey team pitted a rematch against the Monticello Lady Mustangs, a team they fell to a few days earlier 4-0 in the season premiere. The Sept. 2 rematch yielded a similar result.

A shift in momentum by Monticello after a tied game was enough to propel the visitors to a 3-1 victory over the Lady Trojans.

The Lady Mustangs were able to strike in the opening quarter, as a goal by Haedyn Barnes provided the visitors an early lead. That advantage would disappear in the beginning of the second quarter, as New Kent’s Peyton Lilley converted a penalty corner with 10:08 showing on the clock to tie the game at one apiece. The scoreboard would reflect that heading into the halftime intermission.

In the third quarter, Monticello took advantage after an injury stoppage took place. With 6:30 showing on the clock, Reese Murry contributed a goal for the visitors. A mere 13 seconds later, Lady Mustang Rylee Clay provided another decisive score, providing a gap that would be too much for the Lady Trojans to overcome.

New Kent drops to 0-2 on the season.