HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – A balanced scoring attack allowed James Madison lacrosse to take down No. 22 Georgetown, 13-7, at Sentara Park on Wednesday afternoon.
The Dukes (8-6, 3-1 American) controlled all phases of the game, taking the lead in the first quarter and holding it for the remainder of the contest. Brianna Mennella and Olivia Matthews both recorded their second straight hat tricks, with Mennella adding an assist. Payton Root led the team with six points, consisting of a goal and five assists. In total, nine different JMU players found the scoring column.
The defense was anchored by Ava Bleckley’s three caused turnovers and two ground balls. Abigail Beattie got the start in the cage, playing all 60 minutes and recording nine saves.
The Hoyas (9-4, 3-0 Big East) were paced by Betsy Burton’s two goals and an assist. Leah Warehime started at goalkeeper, playing all 60 minutes and registering seven saves.
How it Happened
First Quarter – James Madison 4, Georgetown 2
• After the Hoyas opened the scoring less than two minutes in, the Dukes responded with scores from Josie Pell and Matthews to grab a one-goal lead at the 9:25 mark.
• Georgetown tied the game after converting a free position opportunity at the 7:33 mark. JMU closed the final three minutes of the first with two unanswered to hold a two-goal lead after one.
Second Quarter – James Madison 8, Georgetown 4
• The Dukes opened the second where they left off in the first, scoring back-to-back goals in the first three minutes to grab a 6-2 lead at 12:19.
• Both teams traded a pair of goals in the remainder of the period, allowing James Madison to maintain its four-point lead at halftime.
Third Quarter – James Madison 10, Georgetown 7
• Following an early score from the Dukes to grow their lead to five, a pair of free position goals from Georgetown closed its deficit to 9-6 at the 4:05 mark.
• The squads exchanged goals in the closing minutes of the period, giving JMU a three-goal lead heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter – James Madison 13, Georgetown 7
• The Dukes added three more goals as the Hoyas were held scoreless on only three shots in the frame, giving JMU its second ranked win of the season.
Game Notes
• The Dukes are 4-0 when Mennella scores multiple goals.
• Emily Simkin’s three assists tie her career high.
• Root has led the team in assists in 11 games this season.
• Jolie Schiavo’s three ground balls are a career high.
Up Next
The Dukes will head to Richmond to take on the Spiders at Robins Stadium on Tuesday, April 14. First draw is scheduled for 5 p.m.
— JMU Athletics —
