Madison Can't Find Footing; Slip Up to Arlington, 60-36

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The Madison Lady Bulldogs have dropped their first game of 2024 to the Arlington Lady Cardinals at home, 60-36.

Madison fell to 0-6 overall after the loss. They kept it interesting in the early going of the game trailing by just three after one and ten at the half. Though Arlington turned up the defense and pulled away in the second half. Even held Madison to just a four point fourth quarter.

Another game where the turnovers ate the Lady Bulldogs alive. Finishing the game with 24 total turnovers. They did, however, explore a number of new lineups and some units looked to show promise. Though the early quarter substitutions may have altered momentum in the opening quarter when Madison led 9-4 to begin the game. The Lady Bulldogs scored their new second-highest scoring total of the season with 36 points.

The Lady Cardinals were a bit more aggressive defensively, with a ton of their points coming off turnovers by Madison. They finished with 16 total steals, with seven coming from Jolyssa Steffensen. Another big difference maker in the game is that Arlington saw the charity stripe considerably more than the Lady Bulldogs. Arlington shot 25 total free throws, more than double what Madison shot (12).

Arlington was led in scoring by Addalyn Steffensen who posted 21 points, going a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Adding to the scoring was Jaelyn Huntimer with 12 points, along with J. Steffensen posting 10.

This loss marks Madison’s seventh straight loss at home, dating back to last season. On the bright side, they’re scoring more points. Garnishing 35 or more points in the last two games, whereas in the previous two (the third and fourth game of the season) they combined for just 35.

The Lady Bulldogs were led by Audrey Nelson who led in all of the five major categories. Posting 13 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks. Ella Peterreins added to the scoring with seven points in the game.