HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison erupted for 17 runs across the first three innings to defeat Coastal Carolina, 17-2, in Sun Belt Conference softball action on Sunday at Bank of the James Field at Veterans Memorial Park.
The Dukes (15-14, 3-3 Sun Belt) wrapped up the weekend series with a season-high in runs against the Chanticleers (17-15, 4-2 Sun Belt) on 10 hits and eight walks.
JMU hit three home runs, including grand slams from both Emma Jo Evans and Emily LeGrand. Both Dukes also scored a game-high three runs each. Kylee Gleason also hit a solo homer in the opening frame.
Taylor Johnson (4-4) earned the win in circle after allowing just two hits with three strikeouts in three innings of work.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• Coastal took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a solo home run from Delaney Keith.
• JMU answered immediately, as Gleason hit a solo homer before Emma Jo Evans launched a grand slam to give the Dukes a 5-1 advantage.
• Kaelin Cash hit a solo home run for CCU in the second to cut the deficit to 5-2.
• The Dukes erupted for 10 runs in the second inning, capped by LeGrand’s grand slam to make it 15-2.
• JMU added two more in the third on an RBI single from Mia Tribul and a sacrifice fly from Cali Legzdin to seal the run-rule victory.
GAME NOTES:
• The Dukes delivered one of their best offensive performances in recent memory, plating 15 or more runs for the first time since March 10, 2024, when they scored 16 against Saint Joseph’s.
• It also matched the most runs in a game since Feb. 18, 2024, when also scoring 17 runs against Lehigh.
• Sunday was JMU’s seventh game this season with at least three home runs and its first in Sun Belt play.
UP NEXT:
James Madison will hit the road to face in-state foe George Mason in Fairfax, Va., on Wednesday.
— JMU Athletics —
