Dodgers Boys Lax Uses Defense to Stay Undefeated

The Madison High School boys lacrosse team extended its impressive unbeaten streak with a 7-6 win over West Windsor-Plainsboro in Madison on Thursday.

The win–Madison's sixth in as many chances–came despite the Dodgers scoring only one goal in the second half–a fairly unheard of occurrence for a team that prides itself on its offensive prowess.

"We like to make it exciting, don't we?" head coach Mark Sweeney said with a grin after the game. "We knew they were a good team coming in. They have a really solid defense, good goalie and we knew that opportunities weren't going to come easily."

But despite the close score, Madison was clearly more dominant throughout the contest as the Dodgers controlled the ball more than their opponent and with strong defense, forced turnovers throughout the entire game.

"We started off real well, we worked the ball around and put it in the back of the net," captain Charlie Oldendorp said. "Our defense played well, we just made a few mistakes and hopefully we can clean up those mistakes and continue to get better."

Oldendorp, who leads the team in goals this season, got things started early, recording the first two goals of the game.

But just as quickly as Madison took a two-goal advantage the Dodgers would give it up, as a few mental mistakes led to two West Windsor goals.

"We're a run and gun team," Sweeney said. "Sometimes because [we're a run and gun team] we lose the ball and they get possession."

Another goal by Madison, this one by sophomore attacker Billy Battaglia, would see the Dodgers end the first quarter tied at 3-3.

Not only was Madison more physical than West Windsor–a massive hit by junior defenseman Mike Staneart in front of the Madison net nearly shook the field–but the team continued to force its opponents into bad decisions.

"Defensively we stepped up real well today and the offense did what they needed to do," Sweeney said.

The Dodgers would jump on the West Windsor turnovers as they added three more goals in the second quarter, including two by Oldendorp and one by Chad Smith.

In the beginning of the fourth quarter, senior attacker Austen Lein would add to the Dodgers' tally as he scored just 40 seconds into the quarter.

That goal would prove to be very important, as West Windsor would tack on two more goals in the quarter.

But the Dodgers would continue playing quality defense and despite those two goals, hang on for the one goal victory.

"A win is a win. We'll get better tomorrow, but it doesn't get any easier," Sweeney added.

Madison will look to continue its winning streak on Saturday against Seton Hall Prep.