Top-Seeded JMU Rolls into CAA Title Game with 12-3 Win at Drexel

Friday, May 6

Philadelphia, Pa.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

10-9

Drexel

10-7

James Madison

Drexel

Top-Seeded JMU Rolls into CAA Title Game with 12-3 Win at Drexel

5/6/2016 4:24:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA – Top-seeded James Madison used a 9-2 run in the second half to cruise to a 12-3 victory at fourth-seeded Drexel in the Colonial Athletic Association Women's Lacrosse Championship semifinals on Friday afternoon at Vidas Field, advancing to the conference title game for the 15th time in league history.

The Dukes will face second-seeded Towson in the championship game after the Tigers posted an 8-6 win over No. 3 Elon in the second semifinal. JMU improved to 10-8 this season and 16-0 all-time against Drexel, which ended its season at 10-7 overall.

JMU senior attacker Brooks Lawler scored a career-high six points off two goals and a career-best four assists, while senior attacker Betsy Angel led the team with three goals, tying for the game high. She also added an assist for a four-point day, to go with her three ground balls. Senior midfielder and CAA Player of the Year Jaci Gordon notched two goals and an assist and junior attacker Margaret Tucker Fogarty and sophomore midfielder Elena Romesburg each scored twice.

The Dukes were active in the hustle game, led by sophomore midfielder Haley Warden and senior midfielder Taylor Gress. Warden accrued career highs of four caused turnovers and four ground balls and Gress had four ground balls, tying her career high. The duo also combined for seven draw controls.

Madison outshot Drexel 28-9, including 20-6 on goal. JMU won the draw 10-7, including 8-4 in the second half, and held an 18-14 ground balls advantage. Freshman goalkeeper Ellie Harmeyer (6-3) was solid between the pipes, making three saves, conceding just two scores in her 55 minutes of action.

The Dukes opened the game with three straight goals, holding the host Dragons off the board for more than 28 minutes. A late tally for DU with 1:50 left in the frame made it a 3-1 margin at the half. JMU stormed out of the gates in the second, striking for three quick goals in the first 3:15 to extend the lead to 6-1. After Drexel answered with a score, the defense took over, giving up just one goal over the final 24:25 and ending the semifinal with six of the final seven goals.

KLAES-BAWCOMBE POSTGAME - Watch Players' Postgame Interviews

DUKES HUSTLE THEIR WAY TO VICTORY
Hustle stats were certainly a huge factor in JMU's nine-goal win in the semifinals. Haley Warden and Taylor Gress provided the spark in the midfield, allowing for JMU to take over the ballgame. Warden had career highs of four caused turnovers and four ground balls while Gress added four ground balls. The two won seven of the team's 10 draw controls as JMU held an 8-4 draw-control edge in the final 30 minutes.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS (courtesy of the CAA)

FEEDERS MADE OFFENSE GO
JMU took advantage of nice passing inside the eight-meter as six of the team's 12 goals were assisted. Brooks Lawler led the way with a career-high four helpers while Betsy Angel and Jaci Gordon each produced one assist.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Brooks Lawler passes to Margaret Tucker Fogarty, who scores to give JMU an 8-2 lead in the second half.

UP NEXT
JMU advances to the CAA Championship game for the third straight season and 15th time in the 25-year history of CAA lacrosse. The Dukes face second-seeded Towson on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. in a televised game on the American Sports Network.