MILLBURN–The Madison High School boys lacrosse team handed the Millburn a decisive 15-3 defeat on Saturday at Millburn High School. The Dodgers' potent offense and veteran leadership were too much for an overmatched Millers team, as Madison began its season 2-0.
Junior Colin McLinden and sophomore Billy Battaglia each netted four goals for the Dodgers, while Austin Lein, Charlie Oldendorp, and Michael Clemente each contributed two goals. Millburn goalie Kyle Ripp, a seasoned veteran for the Millers, did everything he could to keep the Millers in the game. Ripp recorded an impressive 13 saves, but the Dodgers were given far too many opportunities in front of the net. Junior Mark Funk scored two goals for the Millers, and senior Max Okinow scored one, but the Miller offense could not keep up with Madison's attackmen. Dodger goalies Brett Anton and Ryan Colwell were not tested often. Anton allowed two goals and made two saves, while Colwell surrendered one score and saved three shots.
Madison made a statement early when they scored just thirteen seconds into the game. Mark Funk scored the tying goal minutes later, giving Millburn its first, and its last, share of the lead. Madison responded with two goals in quick succession, leaving the first quarter with a 3-1 advantage.
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"We just didn't come out ready to play," remarked James Collingwood, one of Millburn's senior defensemen.
In the second quarter, Madison wasted no time in building its lead, notching a goal 18 seconds in. Three more second quarter goals broke the game open, giving the Dodgers a dominant 7-1 lead.
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Madison scored another goal after only 18 seconds into the third quarter. Millburn got a bit of a jolt when Mark Funk tallied his second goal and Max Okinow scored on a deflection, but three more Madison goals quelled any hopes for the Millers.
With the game already in hand, Madison continued to display their offensive firepower, scoring four more goals to secure their 15-3 victory. The Dodgers, with a 15-2 win over Montville to open the season and now a 15-3 victory over Millburn, have certainly made a statement in the early going this spring.
"Our veteran leadership was really key to our success today," said Madison head coach Mark Sweeney. "We have a great group of seniors. Our three close poles and our goalie are all seniors, and we have two four-year varsity lettermen at attack, so the amount of experience we have on this team is really going to help us."
The Dodgers' coach is not going to sit back and remain content with his team's hot start.
"We're looking to build on our start this season. We have a tough schedule this year, but that will help us in the long run. Last year we dealt with some injuries and internal problems, so it was a little bit of a disappointment, but we're looking forward to building on what we started last year when we reached the state semifinals," he said.
Madison heads to Morristown-Beard on Wednesday, looking to stay unbeaten in their second consecutive game on the road.
