No. 19 Dukes Fall to No.1 UNC in Season Opener

Friday, February 6

3 p.m.

James Madison University

0-1

North Carolina

1-0

North Carolina

James Madison

2/6/2026 6:15:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Despite a fourth-quarter surge, No. 19 James Madison lacrosse was unable to overcome its deficit as the Dukes fell to No. 1 North Carolina, 19-11, at Sentara Park on Friday afternoon.

Kaitlyn Carney led the JMU (0-1) offense with five goals. Olivia Matthews and Jordan Peterson each contributed two scores apiece, with Matthews adding three assists. Reese Cuviello spearheaded the defensive effort, causing a turnover and tallying a ground ball.

Abigail Beattie earned the start in the cage, making seven saves through three quarters of play.

The Tar Heels (1-0) were led by Darcy Felter's five goals. Betty Nelson played all 60 minutes in goal and registered five saves.

How it Happened

First Quarter – James Madison 1, North Carolina 5

The Tar Heels opened the contest scoring three straight, with Darcy Felter accounting for two goals in the opening six minutes of play.
JMU struck at the 5:56 mark, as Brianna Mennella managed to capitalize on a Payton Root feed to put the Dukes on the board.

Second Quarter – James Madison 5, North Carolina 12

Both squads traded blows through the first 10 minutes of the frame, adding four goals each. Jordan Peterson tallied two of JMU's scores in the quarter.
North Carolina ended the half with three unanswered to push their advantage to seven at the break.

Third Quarter – James Madison 6, North Carolina 16

UNC controlled the third quarter, outscoring the Dukes four-to-one and causing three JMU turnovers.

Fourth Quarter – James Madison 11, North Carolina 19

The Dukes opened the quarter on a 4-0 scoring run, with Carney scoring three straight to slice North Carolina's lead to six; however, the Tar Heels managed to hold on and hand JMU its first loss of the season.

Game Notes