The Alternative Press

DOVER, NJ - When the whistle blew for the start of the game, the Dover Tigers and Madison Lady Dodgers both knew it was going to be a fight to the finish. In the first 15 minutes, the ball was mostly in Dover's half and Madison had a few good shots on goal. Unfortunately, two of the best chances to score hit off the cross bar.

During the first half, Dover got a free kick outside of Madison's 18 yard box.  With the middle wide open, Dover was able to cross the ball in front of the goal and were able to score the first goal of the game. Immediately after the goal, Madison refocused and freshman Bailey Hurst was able to get a shot off from 40 yards out, which resulted in a goal to tie the game at 1-1.

The Madison Lady Dodgers were given another opportunity to score when there was a handball in the penalty area. Again, Hurst put the ball in the back of the net and Madison led Dover 2-1.

Dover's forwards then played the ball directly through Madison's defense and Dover's Olivia Davidovich crossed the ball to her teammate and scored to tie the game at 2-2. 

Madison had several chances to score in the second half, but again couldn't finish them. About 20 minutes into the half, Dover was able to get through Madison's defense and Davidovich scored the final goal of the game to give Dover a 3-2 victory.

Even though they were down, Madison kept their heads up and fought the whole way through the rest of the match. Starting goal keeper Kristina Qualben wasn't pleased with her team's performance. 

"We didn't play to our potential, we could have won it,"  Qualben said.

This was the final time Madison and Dover will meet this season.

"It was a tough game, we played all the way through and we have to make sure that we finish in the final third," said Senior and Captain for Madison Emily Beaman said.

Madison hasn't won since their first game at home versus Dover.

 "We have to get out of the rut that we are in," Beaman added.

Madison's record is 1-6 and Dover's record is 5-5.