JMU Falls to No. 17 Massachusetts in Shootout

Friday, October 17

Harrisonburg, Va.

2 p.m.

James Madison University

(8-7, 3-3)

Massachusetts

(12-2, 5-1)

Massachusetts

James Madison

10/17/2025 6:45:00 PM | Field Hockey

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – No. 17 Massachusetts scored an equalizer early in the fourth quarter to force overtime, ultimately coming away with a 2-1 victory over James Madison after going 3-1 in a shootout at the JMU Field Hockey Complex on Friday afternoon in Mid-American Conference field hockey action.

Both teams had chances to end the game in overtime, with the Dukes (8-7, 3-3 MAC) earning eight penalty corners across both overtime periods, while the Minutewomen (12-2, 5-1 MAC) had four.

Avery Ruckman registered her second career goal with an assist from Julie Narleski late in the opening frame. Goalkeeper Hannah Popolis made her first collegiate start, tallying a career-high five saves in 80:00 of play. Lilly Sweeney stepped in cage for the shootout and made one stop.

UMass' lone regulation goal came on a penalty corner in the second minute of the fourth quarter with a pass from Elena Clococeanu deflected in by Savanna Henderson. Myrte van Herwijnen rejected seven shots and turned away all 13 JMU shots to pick up her 12th win of the season.

How It Happened

Sydney Raguini stole the ball deep in UMass territory and connected with Narleski, who sent a cross inside to Ruckman for a back-handed goal at the 1:03 mark of the first.
Early in the fourth, Henderson redirected a hard pass from the top of the circle from Clococeanu to force overtime.
Raguini found the back of the net to begin the shootout, but the Dukes were denied on their next three opportunities.

Game Notes

The Minutewomen held an advantage in shots (19-14) and penalty corners (18-13), while JMU produced more shots on goal (8-6).
The contest marked the first time JMU had competed in a shootout since 2017 when the No. 19 Dukes edged No. 23 Old Dominion, 3-2 (2-1 PS), on Aug. 30.

Up Next
The Dukes will hit the road for a MAC contest at Bellarmine on Sunday, Oct. 19. Game time at Louisville is scheduled for 11 a.m. and will stream on ESPN+.