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In an instant classic Wednesday, the Nansemond River Warriors advanced to the VHSL Region 5B finals, defeating the Menchville Monarchs 2-1 in an overtime thriller.

It did not take long for the Nansemond River Warriors and Menchville Monarchs to take the chill out of the air on Wednesday in the VHSL Region 5B semifinal field hockey game.  With 12:05 remaining in the first period, Menchville’s Lillian Krikorian opened the scoring.

Warriors freshman Brayden Johnston knotted the game at one with 7:35 left in the first period. Defense became the name of the game for the remainder of the game, with both squad’s goalkeepers withstanding multiple corners.

With overtime looming, Menchville had one last opportunity to ice the game with a corner being played out with no time left on the clock, but the Warriors defense held.

During the overtime period, Monarchs keeper Kylie Campbell blocked a would-be game winner. Warrior Anyia Woods sent another shot on goal that skirted past Campbell, and junior Brylee Johnston was there to clean it up and knock in the game winning goal.

The No. 2 seeded Nansemond River will face No. 1 Woodside Friday at 6 p.m. for the region championship at Nansemond River. Woodside defeated Maury 2-0 to advance. Both teams have secured a spot in the VHSL state tournament.