Dukes Cruise Past ECU in American Conference Opener

Saturday, March 14

Harrisonburg, Va.

12 p.m.

James Madison University

4-4, 1-0

ECU

3-4, 0-1

East Carolina

James Madison

3/14/2026 3:24:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score Photo Gallery

HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison Lacrosse handled business in its American Conference opener, defeating East Carolina 16-10 at Sentara Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Dukes (4-4, 1-0 American) jumped out to a 4-0 lead within the first six minutes of the contest, never looking back to chain together consecutive wins for the first time since February.

Olivia Matthews led the JMU attack with five goals and two assists, securing her first hat trick of the season in the first quarter. Payton Root added three goals and two assists, as Jordan Peterson and Jolie Schiavo each logged two scores apiece.

Reese Cuviello led the defensive effort, forcing four turnovers and tallying four ground balls. Olivia Rongo caused three turnovers and four ground balls, marking five straight games in which she has caused three or more turnovers.

Abigail Beattie made the start at goalie, making two saves before being replaced by Emily Evans in the fourth quarter, who also made two saves in 13 minutes played.

ECU (3-4, 0-1 American) was led by Jamie Collender's two goals and two assists. Jaime Behar got the start in the cage, making four saves in 35 minutes played.

How it Happened

First Quarter – James Madison 5, East Carolina 1

The Dukes hit the ground running, jumping ahead to a 4-0 lead with Mattews accounting for a pair of scores.
The Pirates responded with a free position goal to get on the board; however, JMU responded less than a minute later to reclaim a four-goal advantage.

Second Quarter – James Madison 10, East Carolina 4

Both teams had trouble getting going at the beginning of the quarter until goals from Bre McVicker and Aly Yee-Jenkins grew JMU's lead to six.
ECU added three in the quarter, including two in the final minute, but the Dukes managed to maintain their lead going into the break.

Third Quarter – James Madison 12, East Carolina 5

James Madison added a pair of goals in the third, winning the draw control battle 3-1 in the quarter.

Fourth Quarter – James Madison 16, East Carolina 10

The Dukes started the quarter hot, outscoring the Pirates 4-2 in the first eight minutes.
ECU came to life late with three unanswered; however, it proved to be too late as JMU tallied its second home victory of the season.

Game Notes

Matthew's hat trick is her first of the season and fifth of her career.
Root's hat trick is her second of the season.
Schiavo's two goals mark the first multi-goal game of her career.
Cuviello has caused four turnovers in back-to-back games.

Up Next

The Dukes will hit the road next weekend to play American Conference foe South Florida in Tampa on Saturday, March 21. First draw is scheduled for noon and will be streamed on ESPN+.