Raguini’s Three Points, Ruckman’s Second Half Score Propel JMU Past Kent State

Sunday, September 27

Harrisonburg, Va.

12 p.m.

James Madison University

(2-6, 2-1)

Kent State

(2-8, 1-2)

Team	1	2	3	4	Final F
Kent St.	0	1	0	0	1
James Madison	0	1	1	0	2

Game Notes

Sydney Raguini scores goal versus Kent State

Raguini’s Three Points, Ruckman’s Second Half Score Propel JMU Past Kent State

9/27/2026 3:30:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison field hockey (2-6, 2-1 MAC) rallied for a 2-1 win over Kent State (2-8, 1-2 MAC) on home turf Sunday afternoon as Avery Ruckman scored the game-winning goal early in the third quarter.

The Dukes were not only aided by Ruckman's clutch strike but also a three-point performance from Sydney Raguini and three major saves in goal by Lilly Sweeney. Additionally, Azul Covarrubias led the Dukes in shot attempts, putting four on the board while Puck Jansen recorded three shots of her own to help steady JMU's attack.

After an even first quarter, JMU pummeled Kent State with seven shots and four penalty corners in the second period. The Dukes concluded the contest with an 11-7 edge in shots, a 5-4 lead in shots on goal and a 6-3 advantage in penalty corners.

How It Happened

The Dukes' defense stepped up early when Lilly Sweeney stopped Kent State's first shot on goal from a penalty corner with her right-hand glove.
The Golden Flashes cracked the scoreboard first when Alexa Knott connected a pass to Eva Usoz, who found the back of the net in the 24th minute.
The Dukes made short work of an equalizer after falling behind, turning defense into offense when Raguini raced up the field to score a one-on-one goal following a clearance from a Kent State penalty corner.
Raguini worked the ball well into the middle of the circle, firing a pass to the waiting Ruckman. The Edgewater, Md., native polished the play off by scoring her third goal in the Dukes' last five games to put JMU in front 2-1 in the 36th minute.

Game Notes

With the win, James Madison extended its win streak over Kent State to six games. Additionally, the Dukes are now 14-4 all-time versus the Golden Flashes and a perfect 9-0 at home in the series.
James Madison collected its first come-from-behind win of the season. Prior to Sunday, the Dukes were 0-5 when their opponent scored first in 2026.
The Dukes picked up their first home win since a 4-1 victory against Central Michigan in the 2025 MAC Tournament Quarterfinals.
Raguini has scored goals in back-to-back games for the first time in her career. The Virginia Beach, Va., native's three points in Sunday's win are the most points she has recorded in a single game, giving her five points this year, which matches Raguini's season total from a year ago.
With her third goal in the Dukes' last five games, Ruckman has tied Brynna Hill for the team lead in points with six and goals with three on the season. Like Raguini, Ruckman has also scored goals in two consecutive games for JMU.

Up Next

James Madison travels to Farmville, Va., to take on Longwood in its next MAC matchup Friday at 5 p.m.