Dukes Drop Match to West Virginia

Thursday, September 5

Morgantown, W.Va.

7 p.m.

James Madison University

1-3-2, 0-0-0

West Virginia

4-2-0, 0-0-0

James Madison

West Virginia

9/5/2024 10:19:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.. – James Madison women's soccer went into halftime down just one, but an early second-half goal prevented the Dukes from getting over the hump against West Virginia, 2-0, at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium on Thursday night.

The Dukes' record now stands at 1-3-2, while the Mountaineers moved to 4-2. Ajanae Respass scored both goals for West Virginia, which came in the 19th and 48th minutes. JMU was led by freshman Ginny Lackey and junior Jamie Swartz with two shots apiece. Redshirt senior Lexi Vanderlinden and freshman Tali Rovner each got a shot off as well.

Redshirt freshman Sofia DeCerb made her sixth start in goal, playing all 90 minutes and making four saves.

Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.

"Today was the first opportunity to play with our full roster and we learned quite a bit. We also as a group have to take the decisions of the referee out of the equation. There are a lot more moments of the game that we can have the composure to control the tempo. We are going to be a good team this season, but we aren't there yet so there's more work to do."

How It Happened

Both teams took turns testing the defense in the opening minutes, each having opportunities deep in attacking thirds early. JMU earned a corner and free kick in the first eight minutes.
DeCerb made her first save of the game in the ninth minute.
The Mountaineers struck first when Olivia Shertzer sent a cross that was batted around before Respass sent it in to make it 1-0 WVU in the 19th minute.
DeCerb made two more saves in the 24th and 43th minutes to keep it a one-goal game heading into halftime.
The Mountaineers began the second half attacking aggressively, managing to displace DeCerb and score their second goal in the 48th minute, again from Respass.
JMU got a good opportunity after a red card was awarded to the Mountaineer goalie for a handball outside the box. Lackey took the free kick and was deflected by the new goalie.
The Dukes managed to take more shots following the card, getting five off in the period to try and half the deficit.
JMU got another good opportunity in the 83rd minute. Senior Shea Collins drew a free kick a few yards left of the box that senior Sophia Verrecchia got her head on but couldn't find the net.

Quick Facts

Ginny Lackey made her first collegiate start and debut in the contest.
For the third straight game, JMU allowed fewer shots in the second period than the first.

Up Next

The Dukes will travel to Greenville, N.C. on Sunday, Sept. 15 to take on ECU. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.