JMU Finishes Strong in 11-8 Win over UConn

Saturday, February 15

Sparks, Md.

11 a.m.

James Madison University

2-1

UConn

2-1

James Madison

UConn

2/15/2025 3:05:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score

SPARKS, Md. – Maddie Epke scored four goals, and James Madison overcame a slow start to upend UConn, 11-8, on Saturday afternoon at Tierney Field at the USA Lacrosse Complex.

Ekpe notched her four goals on six shots while adding a team-high four draw controls with a caused turnover. Olivia Matthews and Savannah Derey each scored twice, as Matthews' was a career high.

Caitlin Boden earned the win in cage for JMU (2-1), stopping 60% of UConn's shots on goal, making 12 saves on 20 shots faced. She finished with three ground balls, second only to Reese Cuviello, who picked up four and also had three caused turnovers.

JMU was out-shot 26-24, including 20-19 in shots on goal but cashed in on four-of-six free-position attempts while UConn was limited to one-for-five from the eight meter.

UConn (2-1) was paced by Reyea Davis and Ava Plata with two goals apiece with Plata and Jenna Giardiana each providing a pair of helpers. Cini Tori made eight saves in the cage, including three in the opening period, but allowed 11 goals over the final three frames.

How it Happened
First Quarter – UConn 2, James Madison 0

The Huskies got on the board early, following a wide free-position shot in the first 90 seconds of action.
Scoring stalled for almost 10 minutes before UConn converted its lone free-position goal of the game to lead 2-0 after one, as JMU recorded more turnovers (six) than shots (four).

Second Quarter – James Madison 5, UConn 3

Mattis and Matthews each netted goals in the first minute of the second stanza to knot things up at two.
UConn responded quickly with another goal to keep the lead, but JMU scored the final three goals and took advantage of seven Husky turnovers in the period to take a 5-3 lead into the break.

Third Quarter – James Madison 8, UConn 4

UConn scored 12 ticks into the third to make it a one-goal game, at 5-4.
The Dukes scored a trio of goals before the 10-minute mark to push their lead to four. Both teams struggled to find the back of the net for the remainer of the period, as Boden made six saves.

Fourth Quarter – James Madison 11, UConn 8

Davis and Plata each scored to open the final stanza, making it an 8-6 game with 12:51 to play.
Epke and Derey responded to put the lead back to four halfway through the period.
Bleckley netted an insurance goal as UConn attempted to rally but couldn't close the gap before time expired.

Game Notes

Caitlin Boden moved into sole possession of 18th in the all-time program rankings for career saves, with 186.
Maddie Epke has now scored a goal in 21 straight games, and earned the 12th hat trick of her career.
JMU has now won nine straight against UConn, improving to 10-2 all-time against the Huskies.

Up Next
JMU takes an 11-day break before welcoming #19 Richmond to Sentara Park for its home opener on Wednesday, Feb. 26. The opening draw is set for 5 p.m. and will stream on ESPN+.