UPDATED: Rutherford Too Much for Caruso, Ellis and Dodgers in State Softball Tourney

(Note: Tori Ellis had two hits and drove in both Madison runs. A previous version of this article erroneously credited another player.)

's softball season came to a close Monday as the Lady Dodgers fell to Rutherford, 12-2, in the first round of the NJSIAA sectional playoffs in Rutherford.

IN SHORT
Tori Ellis tried to keep the 14th-seeded Dodgers in the game, driving in both runs for Madison. Third-seeded Rutherford was paced by Paige Goldsack, who went 4-for-5 at the plate, and Gina Vigianno, who drove in three runs in the 12-2 win.

DODGERS OF THE GAME
Third baseman and senior Nikki Caruso played her final game as a Dodger, and will play at the University of Pittsburgh next season.

OTHER KEY PERFORMANCES
Paige Goldsack (Rutherford) 4-for-5 with two singles, two doubles and two stolen bases; Gina Vigianno (Rutherford) 3-for-4, three RBIs.

THEY SAID IT
“We had a great season, the girls played their hearts out, especially in the second half of the season. All our seniors had amazing seasons. Julianna Vezza led our team in RBIs and always came up with hits in the clutch. Mackenzie Ellis was our most versatile asset playing leftfield, first base, third base—just anywhere we needed her. Nikki Caruso, what can you say, she’s the face of Madison softball and has been for four years. She’s a natural leader and will do amazing at Pitt. What these seniors did this year, above anything else, is create a foundation for this team's future success.”—Head Coach Dale Garlick.

“I loved playing for Madison, it’s been an amazing four years. But this season I feel I’ve really grown as a player, this was my first season with Coach Garlick and it really helped me grow and develop as a player.”—Nikki Caruso