Dukes Land Short on Comeback Bid, Fall 12-11 to Pitt

Tuesday, March 31

Pittsburgh, Pa.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

6-6, 2-1

Pitt

6-7, 2-6

James Madison

Pittsburgh

JMU Lacrosse huddles during its 12-11 loss to No. 24 Pitt

3/31/2026 3:34:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score

PITTSBURGH – After trailing by as many as four, the Dukes could not complete the comeback as they fell to No. 24 Pitt, 12-11, at Highmark Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.

JMU (6-6, 2-1 American) closed the gap to as little as one, but could not equalize in the closing minutes as Pitt (6-7, 2-6 ACC) held on for the win.

James Madison was led by Payton Root's two goals and three assists. Chloe Bleckley notched three goals and an assist, grabbing her first hat trick of the year. Olivia Rongo led the defense, causing three turnovers and logging a ground ball.

Abigail Beattie made the start in the cage, making three saves before being replaced by Emily Evans in the third, who added a save of her own.

The Panthers were paced by Avery Moon's three goals and two assists. Molly Cain got the start in the cage, playing all 60 minutes and corralling 10 saves.

How it Happened

First Quarter – James Madison 2, Pitt 3

Both squads traded blows in the opening minutes until back-to-back goals from the Panthers gave Pitt a 3-1 lead at the 5:05 mark.
C. Bleckley scored her eighth goal of the year at the 3:50 mark to close the gap to one.

Second Quarter – James Madison 5, Pitt 6

Following a game-tying score from Root at 13:57, Pitt embarked on a 3-0 run to take a 6-3 lead with five minutes remaining in the half.
The Dukes closed the quarter with back-to-back goals, both assisted by Root, to make it a one-goal game at the half.

Third Quarter – James Madison 7, Pitt 9

The Panthers opened the half scoring three straight goals to take a 9-5 lead at the 12:54 mark.
Both teams remained scoreless for the next ten minutes, combining for five turnovers, until the Dukes scored twice in 60 seconds to cut the deficit to two heading into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter – James Madison 11, Pitt 12

A free position score from Jordan Peterson at the 12:02 mark cut JMU's deficit to one.
Each team scored a pair of goals for the rest of the way, with the Panthers not letting the Dukes get closer than one, handing JMU the loss.

Game Notes

C. Bleckley's hat trick is the second of her career.
Rongo has caused three or more turnovers in eight games this season.
With a draw control margin of 14-12, the Dukes have outdrawn their opponent five times this season.

Up Next

JMU will stay on the road, traveling to Charlotte for an American Conference matchup on Saturday, April 4th. First draw is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.