HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison lacrosse dominated the draw circle, including a career-high 14 draw controls from Harlowe Healey, as the Dukes took down the Hokies, 13-7, at the Sentara Park Turf on Wednesday evening.
JMU (1-1) outdrew VT (1-1) 15-7 during the contest, limiting the Hokies to two in the first half. Payton Root logged a career-best four goals, adding three assists for another career-high seven points. Brianna Mennella found the back of the net three times and recorded two assists, chalking her first hat-trick of the season.
Olivia Rongo led the Dukes’ defensive effort, causing two turnovers and grabbing three ground balls. Reese Cuviello caused a turnover and logged two ground balls.
Abigail Beattie received the start in goal, playing all 60 minutes and making 11 saves on 18 shots faced.
The Hokies were led by Cassandra Montgomery, who recorded two goals and an assist. Malie Follet received the loss, making four saves in 34 minutes played.
How it Happened
First Quarter – James Madison 4, Virginia Tech 1
• JMU kicked off the scoring at the 11:02 mark with a wraparound goal from Root.
• Following an answer from the Hokies, the Dukes embarked on a 4-0 scoring through the end of the quarter, including a goal and an assist from Jordan Peterson
Second Quarter – James Madison 7, Virginia Tech 3
• After back-to-back goals allowed the Hokies to close the gap, the Dukes answered with consecutive scores of their own to stretch their lead out to four at the break.
• The Dukes kept the momentum on their side throughout the half, scooping 11 ground balls to Virginia Tech’s five.
Third Quarter – James Madison 11, Virginia Tech 5
• The Hokies wasted no time opening the half, grabbing a man-up score at the 14:21 mark.
• JMU moved the ball around well in the frame, adding assists on three of its four goals in the quarter.
Fourth Quarter – James Madison 13, Virginia Tech 7
• Despite a pair of Virginia Tech goals to start the period, James Madison responded with two from Root and held on to secure its first win of the season.
Quick Facts
• The Dukes are 74-21 against teams in Virginia during Shelley Klaes’s tenure (2007-present).
• Through two games, JMU has five different players with at least four goals
Up Next
JMU hits the road on Saturday, Feb. 14, when it will face UConn at the USA Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Md. First draw is scheduled for noon.
— JMU Athletics —
