NORTHBOROUGH, Mass. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison lacrosse defenders Olivia Rongo and Reese Cuviello, as well as attacker Payton Root, were selected to the IWLCA All-South Region Teams, the organization announced on Thursday.

All three Dukes received the first All-Region recognitions of their respective careers. Rongo earns first team laurels, while both Cuviello and Root receive spots on the second team. The honors mark six straight years in which a Duke has been selected to one of the All-Region teams.

Rongo emerged as one of the best defenders in the country. The Westhampton, N.Y native set the program’s single-season caused turnover record with 59 and led the Dukes in ground balls with 56, earning Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-Conference honors from the American. The senior’s 2.81 caused turnovers per game led the American and ranked ninth in the country, while her 2.67 ground balls per game placed her second in the conference and ranked 23rd nationally.

Cuviello also proved to be a disruptor on the defensive end, earning Second Team All-Region honors for the first time in her career. The sophomore caused 36 turnovers and recorded 52 ground balls while also contributing on the circle with 37 draw controls, earning a spot on the All-American Conference First Team. Cuviello’s 2.48 ground balls per contest place her third in the American, while her 1.71 caused turnovers per game ranked her fifth in the conference.

Root earns her first career All-Region recognition after leading JMU and the American in assists (60) and points (90). The Guilford, Conn. native contributed 31 goals and dealt 2.86 assists per game, leading the American and ranking 12th in the country. The sophomore played in 13 games in which she tallied four or more points, earning spots on both the All-American first team and the American Conference All-Tournament Team.

The Dukes completed the 2026 season 14-7, advancing to the NCAA Championship second round.

— JMU Athletics —