The Dodger Boys Lacrosse team lost by two points to Mountain Lakes last Monday, June 3rd, in the North Group I State Championship. It was a great game and a rough loss for a team that has come so far. For the third year in a row, Madison Boys Lacrosse ended their season on the Lakers’ turf.
“Losing is the worst. It really is. But what’s really going to bother me is that I won’t be able to get on the practice field with all of you tomorrow. You were truly a pleasure to come out and coach because you always worked hard. That’s the worst part,” Head Coach Mark Sweeney explained to his players after the loss.
After a season that began last year in an eight game losing streak, the Dodgers vowed to make this season different. They made a statement after qualifying for the State Championship with an overtime win in the semifinals over conference rival, Caldwell that Saturday, two days before the championship game.
Fans packed the stadium in Mountain Lakes, and at one point it almost seemed as though more Dodger supporters had shown up to the away game than the Lakers. The game started fast at noon and Madison stuck with the Lakers throughout the game, but unfortunately, after hitting a few pipes on important shots and paying some valuable time in the penalty box, the Dodgers came up just short by two points. The final score was 8-6.
Madison Boys Lacrosse is still looking for its first State Championship. Most of the starters for the team will be returning next year and advancing to the State Championship is an expectation at the very minimum. Regardless of the disappointing loss, Madison Boys Lacrosse has a bright future.