EIGHTH-RANKED WOMEN'S LACROSSE BEATS GEORGE MASON 12-10

Friday, April 27

Fairfax, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

George Mason

4/29/2007 4:00:00 AM | Lacrosse

FAIRFAX, Va., April 29, 2007 -- Eighth-ranked James Madison edged George Mason 12-10 in Colonial Athletic Association women's lacrosse Sunday afternoon at George Mason Stadium.

The Dukes improved to 12-4 overall and 5-2 in CAA games. The Patriots ended their season with a 6-10 overall record and 1-6 mark in CAA contests.

Mason took a quick 1-0 lead when senior Melissa Venturi fired a shot past JMU junior goalkeeper Kelly Wetzel (Catonsville, Md./Mount De Sales) a minute into the game.

However, the lead was short-lived as JMU scored the next three goals of the game en route to a 7-3 halftime advantage.

In the second period JMU led by five goals, 12-7, with 7:15 remaining. The Patriots went on a 3-0 run over the next 3:51 to cut the deficit to 12-10 with 3:24 left. But in the final three minutes JMU limited Mason to one shot to hold on for the victory.

Senior Kelly Berger (Columbia, Md./Hammond) led JMU with three goals and three assists, and junior Natasha Fuchs (Bay Shore, N.Y./Bay Shore) contributed two goals and two assists. The Dukes also got two goals each from senior Lynlea Cronin (Columbia, Md./Wilde Lake) and junior Annie Wagner (Annapolis, Md./St. Paul's).

Laura King finished with four goals and Venturi scored three to lead Mason.

Each team took 26 shots on goal, and Wetzel recorded 12 saves. Mason starting goalkeeper Sara Longobucco made eight saves in 44:25 of play, and reserve Roxie Aleruhe did not make a save in 15:35 of play.

JMU earned the second seed for next weekend's (May 4 & 6) CAA Tournament, which will be hosted by top-seeded Hofstra. The Dukes will meet third-seeded Delaware in a 7:30 p.m. semifinal Friday, while Hofstra will face fourth-seeded Old Dominion in a 5 p.m. semifinal.