Dukes Drop Second Straight with 12-9 Loss to Rutgers

Saturday, March 11

Harrisonburg, Va.

1 p.m.

James Madison University

5-3

Rutgers

4-3

Rutgers

James Madison

3/11/2017 4:39:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score @JMULacrosse JMU Lacrosse on Facebook Box Score Photo Gallery Post-Game Interview

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Despite taking a 7-6 lead early in the second half, James Madison allowed Rutgers to score four straight and six of the final eight goals in a 12-9 loss on Saturday afternoon at Sentara Park.

The Dukes fell to 5-3 this season with their second straight defeat, while the Scarlet Knights improved to 4-3 on the year.

Junior attacker Kristen Gaudian tied her career high with a game-best four goals, while also collecting two ground balls, matching her single-game best. Sophomore midfielder Hanna Haven and junior midfielder Elena Romesburg each scored twice in the loss. Junior midfielder Haley Warden turned in a career-best five caused turnovers, and she, Romesburg and junior midfielder Hannah Jablonski collected three ground balls apiece.

Senior goalkeeper Emily Poelma (5-3) took the loss between the pipes after conceding 10 goals, with only five saves in over 43 minutes of work. JMU out-shot Rutgers 24-21, but the Scarlet Knights held an 18-15 advantage in shots on goal. RU dominated the draw 15-8, while the Dukes led in caused turnovers (15-9) and ground balls (18-17).

The Scarlet Knights were led by Joanna Reilly, who scored three goals with an assist. Amanda Turturro led all players with six points off a goal and five assists.

JMU opened the game with back-to-back scores, but Rutgers responded with a 6-1 run to take a 6-3 lead late in the first half. After not scoring for over 12 minutes, JMU scored twice in the final 1:29 to trim the deficit to one, at 6-5, heading into halftime.

The Dukes scored two more over the opening five minutes of the second half to take a 7-6 lead before the Scarlet Knights reeled off four in a row to grab a 10-7 lead with 16:26 to play. JMU never closed the gap closer than two down the stretch.

COACH KLAES-BAWCOMBE POSTGAME

PHOTO OF THE GAME
80467

Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe is recognized for becoming the program's winningest coach. She was joined by JMU Director of Athletics Jeff Bourne, JMU President Jonathan Alger and CAA Commissioner Joe D'Antonio.

CAREER-HIGH DAYS
Several Dukes set or tied career highs in Saturday's game.

Kristen Gaudian – 4 goals (tie CH), 4 points (tie CH), 2 GB (tie CH)
Haley Warden – 5 CT
Hanna Haven – 2 FP goals
Hannah Jablonski – 3 GB (tie CH), 2 CT (tie CH)

UP NEXT
JMU returns to action on Wednesday, March 16 for a road game at Richmond. The first draw is set for 6 p.m. at Robins Stadium.