Dukes Close Macado's Invite with Two Wins

Sunday, February 28

Harrisonburg, Va.

2:30 p.m.

James Madison University

11-1

Saint Joseph's

4-6

St. Joseph's

James Madison

2/28/2016 8:01:00 PM | Softball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

HARRISONBURG, Va. –No.10 James Madison defeated Saint Joseph's (2-1) and Robert Morris (8-0) on the final day of the Macado's Invitational at Veterans Memorial Park Sunday night. The Dukes improved to 12-1 on the season while the Hawks fell to 4-6 and the Colonials dropped to 2-11.

Senior pitcher Jailyn Ford (5-0) picked up her fifth win of the season in the 2-1 decision over SJU, giving up just four hits in a complete game performance. Sophomore Megan Good (7-1) earned the win against RMU in five innings pitched, allowing just one hit in the combined shutout with freshman Jacki Tremain. Good also led the Dukes with five hits on the day, including two doubles, while junior infielder Madyson Moran recorded a team-high two RBIs.

The Dukes trailed Robert Morris 1-0 after a solo home run in top of the third by the Hawks' Madeline Brunck. Junior outfielder Taylor Newton responded with a one-out double to score Ford, who had reached base on a fielder's choice. Redshirt freshman Jessica McCabe scored the go-ahead run with a grounder to the first baseman, plating junior infielder Niki Prince after she reached on an infield single.

Ford kept SJU's bats silent through the final three innings to seal the victory.

In game two, the Dukes jumped out to a three-run lead in the bottom of the second. Prince got the scoring started when she crossed homeplate off senior outfielder Hannah Hayes' singles down the third base line. Moran followed suit with a triple to right field, pushing Hayes across the plate, and sophomore infielder Morgan Tolle rounded out the inning with a single down the left field line to score Moran.

The Dukes kept the momentum through the fourth, tacking on another four runs. Moran caused havoc with a bunt through the infield, scoring Hayes and Prince. Good then brought Moran home on a single before Ford scored pinch runner freshman Grace Sanderson with a triple.

James Madison closed the door with a single up the middle by freshman Jenny Behan in the sixth, scoring Good for the run-rule victory.

Good gave up just one hit in 5.0 innings pitched, allowing no walks.

POSTGAME INTERVIEW - HEAD COACH MICKEY DEAN

MACADO'S INVITATIONAL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Jailyn Ford, James Madison
Morgan Tolle, James Madison
Megan Good, James Madison
Crysti Eichner, Binghamton
Stephanie Bielec, Binghamton
Gabby Bracchi, Binghamton
Brandi Harkness, Saint Joseph's
Kaylyn Zierke, Saint Joseph's
Samantha Showalter, Toledo
Jordan Gurganus, Robert Morris

DUKE DOG DEBUTS
Freshman pitcher Jackie Tremain made her first collegiate appearance for JMU, throwing one inning against Robert Morris where she allowed two hits and no runs. At the plate, Tremain recorded her first collegiate hit as well as a stolen base.

TWEET OF THE DAY

If you're looking to enjoy this nice weather @JMU_Softball, you're not the only one with that idea. #NearCapacity pic.twitter.com/gLerpwllKp
— David DeGuzman (@ddeguzmanWHSV) February 28, 2016

PHOTO OF THE DAY

CAREER FIRSTS

Junior second baseman Madyson Moran smacked her first career triple in the 8-0 win over Robert Morris.
Redshirt freshman Jessica McCabe recorded her first RBI in the 2-1 win over SJU for the go ahead run in the T4.

CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Ford recorded a triple against the Colonials, moving into fifth on the JMU all-time charts with eight.

UP NEXT
The Dukes head out west to the Tuscon, Ariz. for the Wildcat Invitational Mar.4-9 and the Lousiville Slugger Invitational Mar.11-23 in Tempe Ariz. No.10 JMU will face Sain Francis, Mount St. Mary's BYU, UTEP, No.15 Arizona, Ohio State, Nebraska (RV), Georgetown and No.19 Arizona State.