Lady Bulldogs knock off State Champs

Posted on Tuesday, January 8, 2008

The Madison girls' basketball team picked up its first win of the season last night, edging Vermillion 49-46 at the Dakota State University Fieldhouse.

The Tanagers took an early 15-10 lead after the first quarter, and built up a 12-point lead early in the second quarter. Halfway through the second quarter, All-State guard Alicia Brown picked up her third foul, as she was called for a charge on Madison's Yui Onadera. That put the momentum in Madison's favor as it rallied to cut Vermillion's lead to 5 at the half, 30-25.

The Bulldogs rallied in the second half, closing the gap at the end of the third to 39-37, then took the lead for good in the fourth quarter to improve to 1-4 on the season.

Alyssa Klapperich earned Player of the Game honors, leading Madison with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Onadera added 12 points, while Carlie Lambert grabbed 7 rebounds.

Brown led all scorers with 18 points for the defending State Champions. Alexa Walker added 13 points, while Brown added 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Madison hits the road this Friday, as they take on Flandreau Public.