Dodgers Softball Continues to Turnaround, Defeating Dover

With its 11-4 win in Dover on Friday afternoon against the Tigers, the Madison High School softball team has improved from 1-5 to 5-6 in their last five games, and have gained some momentum going into their Morris County Tournament game against Roxbury today.

The Dodgers' game against Dover exemplified the changes that have taken place for the team since its 1-5 start: everyone hit consistently throughout the game, less errors and mental mistakes were made, and the Dodgers have been giving up less runs. 

But one thing has been a constant so far this year–Nikki Caruso is currently 26 for 39 on the season, an average of .666. Against Dover, she went 4-for-5, scored four runs, and had three RBIs.

"I expected a good matchup, but I knew we could pull it out and win," Caruso said.

Four Dodgers scored at least two runs in the game: Juliana Vezza, Emily Klein, Caruso, and Stephanie Riveros, who started the game off 2-for-2, scoring a run in both the third and fourth innings and getting an RBI to help get the Dodgers off to a strong start against the Tigers.

"Steph got the MVP award today," said coach Hector Martinez, "and I can't say enough about Ros [Rosalyn Blake], she really came alive today."

Blake was 1-for-3 with a walk, scored a run, and was playing impressive defense in right field and then at third base, helping to keep the Tigers scoreless until the fourth inning. By the time Dover did score, it was almost too late for the Tigers. Madison had scored three in the third and five in the fourth, making their lead 9-0 when the Tigers put their first run on the board.

"We hit," said Martinez. "We hit a lot."

Besides Caruso's four hits, Mackenzie Ellis, Juliana Vezza, and Kelli Scotti all had three hits each. Ellis had four RBIs as well, the most for either team.

"I felt really comfortable at the plate today," said Scotti. "Yesterday at batting practice I was hitting well, and I'm glad I could carry it through today."

Nicole Iannarone pitched the entire game, striking out seven, not allowing a run until the fourth inning, and starting the game off with back-to-back 1-2-3 innings.

"If we play the way we played today, I think we have a very good chance in the tournament," said Martinez. "Anything is possible in the counties."

But the Dodgers have larger aspirations as well, hoping to earn a state playoff spot, which, after going 4-1 in their last five games, is within their reach. Chances are they will need a .500 record by May 1st to earn a spot, and currently they are only one game away from hitting that mark.

"I think we have shown that teams need to watch out for us," said Caruso. "We are definitely a threat…not just some team to walk all over."