Epke Sets Multiple Records in Conference-Opening Win

Saturday, March 15

Nashville, Tenn.

1 p.m. ET (Noon CT)

James Madison University

5-3 (1-0AAC)

Vanderbilt

3-6 (0-1AAC)

James Madison

Vanderbilt

3/15/2025 5:18:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score

Nashville, Tenn. – Maddie Epke won 20 draw controls, and #14 James Madison lacrosse used an 8-0 first quarter run and allowed just one second-half goal en route to a 20-8 victory over Vanderbilt to open American Athletic Conference Play inside the David Williams II Recreation and Wellness Center on Saturday afternoon.

The 20 draw wins give Epke 330 for her career, making her the all-time program leader in draw controls, previously held by Isabella Peterson with 329. Epke also broke the conference and her personal single-game record of 19, set against Richmond on April 3, 2024. The junior also recorded four goals on five shots.

Nine Dukes recorded goals, led by Savannah Derey with six. Olivia Matthews, Maggie Clark, and Olivia Mattis each scored a pair of goals. Matthews also won three draws for JMU (5-2, 1-0 AAC), who held a 26-6 advantage in the circle, falling just one shy of the AAC single-game record for team draw controls.

Adanya Moyer made her third start in the cage, making 10 saves on 24 shots faced while holding Vanderbilt to 2-of-7 on free-position shots. Defensively, Ava Main caused two turnovers for JMU, with Epke and Maddie Weybrecht picking up two ground balls each. JMU outshot the Commodores 38-24 and tied its season-high in shots on goal with 32.

Jaime Biskup led Vanderbilt (3-6, 0-1 AAC) with a hat trick while Brooke Baker and Nancy Halleron each scored a pair of goals. Molly Joyce made the start in the cage, making seven saves in 40 minutes while Emme Martin finished the last 20 minutes, making five saves. The 20 goals ties a season-high for Vanderbilt in goals allowed.

How it Happened
First Quarter – James Madison 8, Vanderbilt 3

Early JMU turnovers allowed Vanderbilt to build a 3-0 lead at the 10:08 mark of the first.
Epke took it herself for the Dukes' first goal at the 9:05 mark, sparking an 8-0 run to close the opening frame as four more Dukes scored at least one.

Second Quarter – James Madison 11, Vanderbilt 7

Both squads struggled to find the back of the net in the second stanza, before the Commodores found a pair of goals midway through the period to make it 8-5 at the 6:24 mark. Vanderbilt held a 6-1 edge on turnovers in the quarter.
After another Vanderbilt score, Derey began a 3-1 JMU run, allowing the Dukes to go into the half up by four.

Third Quarter – James Madison 16, Vanderbilt 7

Clark scored 48 seconds into the third, followed by Derey and Epke for two more scores to put JMU up 14-7 at the 11:47 mark of the period.
The Dukes allowed just three shots in the period while scoring three more goals to make it 17-7 heading into the final frame.

Fourth Quarter – James Madison 20, Vanderbilt 8

Jordan Peterson netted her first goal of the season to open the fourth, while Derey scored another right behind as JMU continued its dominance on the draw and held possession.
Vandy would net one more goal as JMU comfortably finished the game for the win.

Game notes

In addition to breaking the draw records, Epke also scored for 26th straight game and secured her fourth hat trick of the season.
Chloe Bleckley has scored at least one point in every game this season.
Savannah Derey eclipsed 50 goals for her career and recorded her second hat trick on the season.
JMU tied its season-low in goals allowed. The Dukes also allowed just one draw control for Vanderbilt each of the final three quarters.
The Dukes also set new season-highs for largest margin of victory (12), goals (20), goals in a half (11), and tied season-highs for goals in a quarter (eight) and largest scoring run (8-0).

Up Next
#14 JMU will return to action on Wednesday, March 19 when it welcomes #15 Virginia to Sentara Park. The opening draw is set for 6 p.m. and will stream on ESPN+.