The Alternative Press

MADISON, NJ - The Madison Lady Dodgers came into Thursday night's match holding a 17-1 record and were looking for their eighteenth win of the season, facing a pesky Ridge Red Devils squad.  The Dodgers gained an early lead in the first set and held onto the lead to win it.  They had to battle back from behind in the second set to win the match, as the Dodgers defeated the Ridge Red Devils 2-0.

The Ridge Red Devils were an out-of-conference opponent for the Dodgers.  Coming into the game, the Ridge Red Devils held a 12-9 record in a very tough conference.

In the first set the Dodgers came out strong, leading the Red Devils 9-2 at one point. The Dodgers continued to remain in the lead for the remainder of the game, while the Red Devils seemed out of step.  Madison took a 24-9 lead but the Red Devils roared back with several consecutive points before the Dodgers put them away 25-13.

The Dodgers were hoping for a similar result in the second set, but Ridge came out strong taking the lead early in the match. The Dodgers trailed 7-13 before rallying back. Madison gained  7 consecutive points to take the lead 17-13.  The two teams battled back and forth for the rest of the set. The Dodgers were able to finish strong and win the set 25-20, improving their record to 18-1.

“The effort we brought tonight was one of the best we’ve had all year.  I think it shows what we are capable of doing,” said Junior Olivia Alexander.

Alexander led the Dodgers with 10 digs, while Jen Vorel led the team in service points and aces, recording 9 aces and 11 service points.

The Dodgers face off against the Chatham Cougars Friday night at 5 pm at Madison High School before preparing for the state tournament.