HARRISONBURG, Va. – In a back-and-forth, high-scoring women's soccer season opener between James Madison and No. 25 Georgetown on Friday night, the Hoyas came out ahead 4-3 thanks to a goal in the 70th minute by Audra Ayotte at University Park.
The Dukes started the scoring frenzy in the 15th minute with a breakaway goal by Allie Bunner on Sydney Braun-McLeod's through ball, who tallied the assist. Bunner then earned the first multi-goal game of her career with a header in the 51st minute to tie the game at two apiece. Kelly Kerrigan sent in a cross that deflected off of Allison Bortell, right to Bunner who put it in the back of the net.
Ayotte was one of three Hoyas who made their mark on the scoring sheet, with Rachel Corboz scoring one goal and Grace Damaska netting two for a brace. Georgetown managed to capitalize several times thanks to a consistent attack in JMU's third of the field, outshooting the Dukes 14-8 and putting twice as many shots on goal at 8-4.
Following Damaska's second goal in the 56th minute, Ashley Herndon answered back quickly for JMU with another header in the 60th minute to bring the Dukes and Hoyas level at three, setting the stage for Ayotte's game winner.
Quoting Coach
"We fought them hard, we took pride in what we did tonight and we really played some good soccer"
Breakthrough Performance
Junior Allie Bunner came out swinging in the first game of James Madison's 2015 campaign. The midfielder entered tonight's game with three career goals and left with five. Her dynamic play in the center of the Dukes' attack, especially early in the game in which she took four of the team's first five shots, earned her first career multi-goal game.
Tweet of the Game
tough result for @JMUWSoccer but a solid first performance for what promises to be a great year! #proudalum
Sami Grasso scored two goals for William and Mary as the Tribe outshot Seton Hall, 26-5 in a 5-1 victory in the first game of the Fairfield Inn by Marriott JMU Invitational.
Next Up
The Fairfield Inn by Marriott JMU Invitational continues on Sunday with an 11:30 a.m. matchup between Georgetown and William & Mary followed by James Madison and Seton Hall at 2 p.m. The Dukes' game will feature a video broadcast on MadiZone HD SportsNet presented by the JMU Alumni Association.