JMU's Second-Half Comeback Falls a Goal Short in Loss at Elon

Sunday, March 7

Elon, N.C.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

2-1

Elon

2-0

James Madison

ELON

JMU's Second-Half Comeback Falls a Goal Short in Loss at Elon

3/7/2021 4:37:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score

ELON, N.C. – Despite a season-high 14 saves from Molly Dougherty, #12 James Madison fell just a goal short of its comeback attempt, falling 6-5 at Elon on Sunday at Rudd Field in the Colonial Athletic Association women's lacrosse opener for both teams.

The Phoenix moved to 2-0 (1-0 CAA), while the Dukes fell to 2-1 (0-1 CAA). It's the first win for Elon in eight attempts against JMU, as the loss also ended an 18-game win streak for the Dukes versus conference foes.

Elon built a 5-0 lead in the first half, holding JMU without a goal for the first 24:20. The Dukes trailed 5-1 at the break, but scored the first two goals of the second half, climbing to within 5-3 with 26:37 left. After an Elon goal with 20:44 to play, the Dukes would score twice more to make it a 6-5 game.

The Dukes also had two goals waved off in the second half, allowing for Elon to earn its first win in the series.

Dougherty finished the game with a 70% save percentage, turning away 14 of Elon's 20 shots on goals. She also held the hosts to a 2-of-10 mark on the free position.

No JMU player scored more than a goal in the setback. Rachel Matey and Kacey Knobloch each had a goal and an assist, while Taylor Marchetti dished out a game-high two assists.

Elon was paced by Cate Mackel, who scored a game-high three goals, all coming in the first half. Sara Bouwman also had one goal and one assist, and Paulina Difatta earned the victory in cage after making eight saves with a 61.5% save percentage.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Elon out-shot JMU by a wide margin, at 28-17, which also included a 20-13 lead in shots on goal.
The Phoenix edged JMU on the draw control, at 7-6.
Elon had just 10 turnovers, as opposed to JMU's 16. Caused turnovers also favored Elon by an 8-4 count.
The Dukes were held without a free-position goal, as they went 0-for-6 from the 8-meter.
JMU limited Elon to just one goal over the final 39:52, ending the game on a 5-1 run. Elon also clung to its advantage despite not scoring for the final 20:43.

UP NEXT
JMU returns home Friday, March 12 to host Wofford. The opening draw is set for 2 p.m. at Sentara Park.