By james art Madison was following a similar script as last year, only praying the writers would steer them to a better fate this time.
The Dodgers, No. 8 in the NJ.com Top 20, took the lead into the 2023 Morris County Tournament final before Chatham rallied with two unanswered goals, including the game-winning goal on a shot after the buzzer.
It’s a loss that has stung this team for nearly 377 days, but it also provided plenty of fuel for the run ahead in 2024. The undefeated march carried this group back to Tuesday’s Morris County final at Boonton High School, where it was written another story.
Lindsey Catchpole opened the scoring and Celia Stewart broke a tie near the midway point of the fourth quarter to lift top-seeded Madison to a 2-1 victory over second-seeded and No. 18 West Morris in Boonton.
It’s Madison’s 24th district title, the most by any team in tournament history, and its first since 2018. The unbeaten streak remains intact at 17 games
“Throughout this tournament, we’ve been looking forward to the championship, hoping to get here so we can get some revenge,” Stewart said. “I’m happy we made it. It’s sweet to finally get it because it’s been a long time since last year.”
It was a textbook performance by the Dodgers.
Catchpole and Stuart were two of the driving forces throughout the season. Catchpole scored just five times a year ago and her tally to open the scoring in the second quarter marked her 25th of the season.
With West Morris back in the game, it was Stewart’s turn to shine. The sophomore broke down the right side and ripped a shot into the back of the cage with 6:21 to play. She now has two goals in two Morris County final games.
From there, Madison’s defense was able to close things out.
When Lexi Buchanan tied the game for West Morris in the third quarter, it snapped a streak of 27 consecutive quarters in which the team had not allowed a goal. It was just the fifth time a team had scored on the Dodgers in 17 games.
The back line of Emma Wirth, Caitlin Nalin and Sarah Kate Preston suffocated West Morris for most of the game, and the defense as a whole allowed just four shots on goal.
“Defense is a huge part of our daily practice,” Madison head coach Sara Morano said. “And I think defense is what makes us a great team. Everyone has to be a strong defender, whether you’re a forward or a backline.”
Nalin is one of three freshmen who have taken on significant roles this year and thrived. Grace Garrity and Bella Blunda are included in this trio and each patrols a different part of the field.
Their arrival was most appropriate as it coincided with the departure of several key senior players from last year.
“They came in and stepped up right away,” Morano said. “It’s like there’s never been a missed beat from last year to this year.”
Madison hopes that perfect balance can carry over into the state playoffs.
As the top seed in North Jersey, Group 1, he has a massive target on his back
“I’m very excited,” Stewart said. “There are some tough teams in our group so it’s going to be a tough tournament, but if we work hard I think we’ll do well.”
Brian Bobal can be found at [email protected]. Follow him on X at @BrianBobal.
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