Dukes Win JMU Invitational

Saturday, September 19

Harrisonburg, Va.

10 a.m.

James Madison University

9-3

North Carolina Central

1-15

NC Central

James Madison

9/19/2015 10:51:00 PM | Volleyball

Box Score 1 Box Score 2

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The James Madison volleyball team closed out the JMU Invitational with a 3-0 record after defeating Norfolk State 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-4) and N.C. Central 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-13) Saturday night. The Dukes advance to 10-3 on the year while the Spartans and Eagles dropped to 1-12 and 1-15 respectively.

James Madison took control early with an eight point run in the first set against the Spartans, led by sophomore libero Taylor Austin who recorded three aces. In set two, senior Meghan Niski notched seven kills to contribute to her .600 hitting percentage (9-0-15). Senior Sierra Hahn-Ventrell helped the Dukes during the run by serving on the first six points to keep Norfolk State off the boards. Senior Sarah Patterson followed suit by leading a 13-point run by the Dukes to clinch the match.

The Dukes had a season-high 11 aces in the match against Norfolk State.

In the first game of the day, the Dukes defeated N.C. Central. Junior Janey Goodman was atop the leaderboards 10 kills followed by Niski with eight. James Madison outhit the Eagles .268 to 0.01. Patterson tallied 24 assists and freshman Amy Gottschling recorded a career high five assists to elevate the Dukes offense.

The Dukes are now undefeated in home-tournament play on the season heading into conference play.

Quoting Coach Steinbrecher
"It's a very, very, very special group not only as people but definitely as players and I think there is so much potential and promise for the season and I'm excited to continue on that journey with them."

Rising the Record Board
Through 13 matches this season the Dukes are 10-3, good enough to tie for their best start since 2005.

Photo of the Day

Janey Goodman and Kelly Robertson go up for a block to help the Dukes win over N.C. Central.

All-Tournament Team Members
MVP - Janey Goodman - Right Side Hitter
Bryn Recker - Outside Hitter
Taylor Austin - Libero

Looking Ahead
The Dukes are back home Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. to take on the 13-1 Towson Tigers to begin conference play. Towson currently leads the Colonial Athletic Association with the Dukes sitting in second at 10-3.