Strong Second Half Carries Montville Over Vernon

Two quick second-half goals put the Monville Township High School field hockey team on track for a 3-1 win over Vernon Township Tuesday at home.

After a scoreless first half, seniors Allison Koch and Sarah Novak drove in two goals within the first four minutes after halftime, sparking a dominant second half for the Mustangs, who kept Vernon on the defensive for the majority of the second half. Novak also notched an assist on Koch's goal.

Sophomore Aimee Vizzuso scored the team's third goal late in the half, giving the Mustangs insurance as they closed out the game.

Head coach Jennifer Mulvaney said the stronger second half came as a result of teamwork.

"We were really focused on working the ball as team," she said. "We were able to move the ball over to our right side, get good passes and attack well. It shows that we can do very well when we work together as a team."

The Mustangs (1-1) still have work to do while the season is young, the coach said.

"We still need to work on reading the defense and playing consistently from start to finish," she said.

Montville finished the game with 13 shots on goal. The team's game on Thursday has been cancelled, its next contest is against Mount Olive on Sept. 20.