Lackey's Goal Lifts Dukes over Georgia State

Wednesday, October 9

Harrisonburg, Va.

7 p.m.

James Madison University

6-3-3, 4-0-1

Georgia State

1-7-5, 0-2-3

Georgia St.

James Madison

10/9/2024 10:04:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. A first-half goal from freshman forward Ginny Lackey was the difference maker as James Madison women's soccer held on to beat Georgia State, 1-0, keeping them unbeaten in Sun Belt conference play on Wednesday night at Sentara Park.

The Dukes moved to 6-3-3 (4-0-1 conf.) while Georgia State fell to 1-7-5 (0-2-3 conf.). Lackey's goal is her eighth score in seven games, assisted tonight by redshirt senior midfielder Lexi Vanderlinden. Senior forward Amanda Attanasi paced the Duke offense with six shots, putting three on goal. Lackey took four shots to follow, while junior midfielder Jamie Swartz booted three. JMU outshot the Panthers 15-2, its largest shot margin of the season and the fewest allowed to an opponent all year.

Redshirt freshman Sofia DeCerb made her twelfth start in goal, playing all 90 minutes to record the third shutout of the season and her career.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
"I enjoyed the response from the team after the ULM game. We controlled large portions of the match both in possession and in the press. I felt we earned those 3 points tonight in such an important East divisional game."

How it Happened

The Duke offense got going early, with Lackey and Attanasi both taking a shot on goal in the 14th and 17th minutes.
Senior forward Shea Collins almost got the Dukes on the board in the 23rd minute with a shot that missed just right.
Seconds later, Lackey found the back of the net to put JMU up 1-0.
JMU's defense was lights out the first half, not allowing a shot until the 40th minute that was cleared on a team save.
The defense held strong again to open the second half, with another team save on a Panther shot in the 55th minute.
JMU had several opportunities to extend its lead as the half continued, with Attanasi taking two more shots on goal and Lackey and Swartz taking one apiece that were saved.
The Dukes were able to possess down the stretch and close out the win with the lone goal.

Quick Facts

With her conference-leading sixth assist on the season, Vanderlinden is now in sole possession of 11th place in the all-time program rankings for career assists (21).
Tonight's win marked the first one-goal game of the season for the Dukes, and the fifth consecutive match with ten or more shots taken.
The Dukes remain unbeaten on their home field against Georgia State.

Up Next
JMU heads back south for another Sun Belt Conference matchup against Georgia Southern on Sunday, Oct. 13th. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.