After starting the season on an eight-game winning streak, the Madison High School lacrosse team has lost its last three games, most recently falling to rival Chatham High, 8-7, on Tuesday in Madison.
With the score tied up 3-3 in the second quarter, Chatham jumped ahead with two unanswered goals, giving the Cougars a two-goal lead heading into halftime.
That lead would prove to be very important as the game neared its end.
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In the second half, both teams continued testing each other, but sturdy defense on both ends made life very difficult for the opposition.
"The defense played really well today," head coach Mark Sweeney said. "I thought the offense gave it away a little bit and played a little timid. But they battled back".
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With no scoring for the first six minutes of the third quarter, Madison Captain Charlie Oldendorp got Madison within one goal with a shot from just outside the crease that flew by Chatham goaltender Mac Nestler.
Not to be outdone, Chatham junior Sean Whiteman scored with the help of a terrific pass via Andy McLeod just two minutes later, charging Chatham ahead by two goals yet again.
Chatham attacker Robert Guida would find the net 11 seconds later, giving the Cougars a three-goal lead.
A goal from Madison junior attacker, Chad Smith, would send the teams into the fourth quarter, 7-5.
"In the second half, what we did was try to shut down [Robert Guida]," Sweeney explained. "We knew he was a good player and that he can kill you from anywhere, quick. And that worked, but when we'd get [the ball] back, we'd give it away again."
In the fourth quarter, Chatham jumped out to an 8-5 lead with a goal from Jack Beattie and it seemed that their defense might be able to hold off a late Madison charge.
A late scare from Madison–which included two goals by Madison captains Charlie Oldendorp and Austen Lein–would bring the Dodgers within one goal, 8-7, with just one minute to play.
Madison controlled the ball for most of the final minute but was unable to find the net, ultimately getting stopped by the strong Chatham defense.
"We lost to three good teams in a row, you have to pull it together. We have to get their confidence back a little bit and be ready to go," Sweeney added.
Up next, Madison will face Johnson Regional High on Thursday in Clark.
