Field Hockey Squad Honored by Board of Education

Hard work and success was recognized Tuesday night at the Madison Board of Education meeting at Madison High School.

The varsity field hockey team, which won the Group II state title in November, was honored with words of congratulations and special certificates given by the board.

"We had an exciting and successful fall sports season," superintendent Dr. Richard Noonan said. "That was topped by our field hockey team winning the Group II state championship down in Toms River on Nov. 15."

Madison Athletic Director Sean Dowling said it was the best job he's seen from the team and its coaching staff over the four years he's been in charge of athletics at the school. Success is nothing new to the program. Dr. Noonan said he thought it was the fourth championship in head coach Ann Marie Davies' 15 season of coaching at Madison.

"It was a long road – a lot of ups and downs" Davies said. "But we weathered it and put it together somehow. We tried to pinpoint what was so special about this team and I just think the trust they had in each other, the way they got along, and their chemistry in the long run is what's made them champions."

Senior captains Chelsea Davies, Christa Romano and Rachel Misko came up the to podium. Romano spoke for the group and the rest of their teammates.

"I guess I can say for the rest of the seniors, it's been an awesome ride," Romano said.

Romano thanked the board on behalf of the team for the recognition.

The Dodgers defeated Bishop Eustace, 3-1, for the title. Another important milestone along the way to the crown was defeating West Essex for the first time in school history with a 3-2 overtime victory in the sectional finals.