NORFOLK, Va. (JMU Athletics) – Three different Dukes tallied hat tricks as James Madison lacrosse took down Old Dominion, 19-7, in American Conference play on Saturday afternoon.
JMU (11-6, 5-1 American) totaled nine different goal scorers on the afternoon. Payton Root led the attack with three goals and three assists. Kaitlyn Carney and Jordan Peterson scored four and three goals, respectively. The defensive effort was led by Reese Cuviello and Ava Main, each logging two caused turnovers and two ground balls.
Abigail Beattie got the start in the cage, allowing four goals in 30 minutes played. Emily Evans entered the game to start the second half, making one save through two quarters.
Natalie Calandra-Ryan led the Monarchs (5-12, 0-6) with five goals, a caused turnover, a ground ball, and two draw controls. Brynn Bowen got the start and spent all 60 minutes in goal, making 12 saves.
How It Happened
First Quarter – James Madison 6, Old Dominion 2
• The Dukes kicked off the scoring with a pair of quick goals to go ahead 2-0 at the 13:47 mark.
• The Monarchs added two of their own to close the gap to 3-2; however, three consecutive James Madison scores allowed the Dukes to hold a four-point lead at the end of the first.
Second Quarter – James Madison 9, Old Dominion 4
• After an ODU goal opened the scoring in the quarter, two straight from JMU gave the Dukes an 8-3 lead at the 9:39 mark.
• Both squads exchanged goals a minute apart in the final five minutes of the quarter as James Madison maintained a five-score lead at the break.
Third Quarter – James Madison 15, Old Dominion 6
• JMU opened the half on a 3-0 run with two straight from Carney, taking an eight-goal lead at the 11:10 mark.
• After ODU added two of their own to close the gap to six, another 3-0 run from the Dukes put JMU up nine at the end of the quarter.
• JMU’s defense was disruptive in the quarter, holding the Monarchs to just one shot on goal in the third.
Fourth Quarter – James Madison 19, Old Dominion 7
• The Dukes grew their lead to double digits 12 seconds into the fourth, going ahead 16-6 with 14:48 to play.
• James Madison outscored the Monarchs 3-1 the rest of the way, picking up its fifth American Conference win of the season.
Game Notes
• Peterson’s hat trick is her seventh of the season, leading the Dukes.
• With six points, Root has registered four or more in 11 contests this season.
• Juliana Cerasi’s goal is the first of her collegiate career.
• Lauren Savage’s three caused turnovers tie her career high.
Up Next
The No. 2 Dukes will face off against No. 3 East Carolina at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., in the semifinal round of the 2026 American Women’s Lacrosse Championship on Thursday, April 30. First draw is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET
— JMU Athletics —
