Defense Sharp, but Pequannock Too Much for Dodgers Softball

Facing the toughest team in its conference on Friday, the Madison High School softball team was defeated by the Pequannock Golden Panthers, by ten-run rule after the sixth inning, 14-0. Pequannock was able to shut down the Dodgers' offense, which has been the most impressive part of their play this season.

"It is the best pitching we will see," said Madison shortstop Nikki Caruso. "They play travel ball, so they are experienced… we have to work on it."

Against their first four opponents this season, the Dodgers were averaging more than 10 runs per game. Against Pequannock, the Dodgers were dealt six innings without a hit. Juliana Vezza was Madison's only player to make it on base, with a walk.

The Dodgers knew what was coming, though–Pequannock won the Group II State Championship last year and its team this year is almost identical to last year's.

"I told them," said Madison head coach Hector Martinez, "this is the same team as last year you will be facing."

But Madison did not go into the game with a defeatist attitude, and it showed in its defensive play. In the top of the first inning left fielder Rosalyn Blake connected with Caruso at short, who turned and gunned down a Pequannock runner at home. The throw set up Madison catcher Vezza perfectly for the tag at the plate, saving the Dodgers a run.

"That was one of the best plays I've seen from the team this year," Martinez said.

Kelli Scotti, playing center field for the first time, showed her versatility, determination, and speed with four catches during the game, many of them spanning far into the left and right-center areas of the field. She was charging at every ball that came anywhere near her, and catching most of them.

"I was nervous at first because I've only ever been in left field," said Scotti. "This was the first time I've been in center, but after the first catch I felt okay."

The most productive player of the game was Pequannock's Becky Myron, who hit both her first and second career varsity home runs in the game, both three-run shots over the center field wall.

"It was exciting to know I could do it… to know I could hit two in a game is cool," said Myron.

Madison's next game is at 4 p.m. on Monday at Morris Catholic High School.