(Photos courtesy Manya)

Congratulations to Madison Middle School‘s volleyball team for a hard-fought citywide championship!
Head coach Charles Maher tells the story of what led up to Saturday’s win:

From a base camp close to home (Chief Sealth IHS), the 2017 Lady Bulldog Volleyball team overtook the Summit of Seattle Schools, Middle School Volleyball. Madison defeated the 3-time defending champions, Hamilton IMS, in three sets, to remain alone, standing at the top as 2017 League Champions.

While the ascent was challenging, the large squad of 18 eighth-graders worked together throughout. On April 8th, 2017, Madison ended the 3-year undefeated streak of Hamilton in a preview of what would be a Championship of two powerhouse teams with one goal on the table. The regular season matchup was decided in favor of Madison. The 3-set battle was only separated by 6 points. (27-25, 25-27, 15-13)

The regular-season victory brought the true potential of Madison into full view. Madison had been chasing the Hawks of Hamilton each year. While appearing in the last three playoffs with a chance to bring home a title, each year the Lady Bulldogs suspended their climb early while watching the Hawks soar to the top with ease.

NOT THIS YEAR: Madison mounted a 7-2 season record and was the #2 seed going into the Seattle Schools Volleyball Championship Playoffs.

This year the middle-school-volleyball Mountain has been conquered, and the Summit belongs to MADISON. Madison defeated Hamilton in the Championship game (25-17, 22-25, 15-7). The gym was a loud and electrically charged environment.

Our many thanks to the hosting sites throughout the year. (Boren K-8 STEM, Washington MS, Whitman MS, Denny IMS and Chief Sealth IHS). Thanks to Coach Rod and his staff at CSIHS and Denny IMS for a wonderful job hosting the 2017 season, and playoffs. Thank you to the officials and scorekeepers. Much appreciation to all the Varsity and program coaching staffs throughout the district. Thank you to the Hamilton volleyball players and coaching staff. Much respect!

The Bulldog team would like to extend a special thanks to the Madison MS Front Office Staff and Athletics Department. You All Rock!