COLLEGE PARK, Md. (JMU Athletics) – In a tight defensive battle, James Madison field hockey (0-2) was unable to find the equalizer, falling to Drexel (1-1), 1-0, on Sunday afternoon.
The Dukes fired eight shots, six of which were on goal. Avery Ruckman recorded three shots, all on goal, to lead the team. Sydney Raguini registered a pair of shots to join Ruckman with multiple attempts for the Dukes.
Defensively, Lilly Sweeney was tested early and often. The fourth-year netminder rose to the challenge, coming away with a career-high eight saves in her second start as a Duke.
How It Happened
• With Drexel threatening early, Sweeney made a sliding save in the first minute of action to keep the Dragons off the board.
• JMU’s first shot of the contest came in the 14th minute from Ruckman. The third-year defender pushed the ball toward the net, but Drexel goalkeeper Halle Geiger was in position to make the save.
• In the opening minute of the second quarter, Drexel pushed the ball into the circle, where Pili Lemoine was able to sneak one past the Dukes’ defense for the lone goal of the contest.
• Moments later, James Madison earned a penalty corner, one of four for the Dukes in the game. Puck Jansen fired a shot on goal, but Geiger made the save in front of the net.
• In the third quarter, the Dukes’ best opportunity for an equalizer came in the 32nd minute when Raguini and Ruckman put well-placed shots on goal within a 10-second span.
Game Notes
• With Drexel’s 1-0 victory, former JMU field hockey player Cassidy Strittmatter earned her first career win as an assistant coach for the Dragons.
• Head Coach Alyssa Parker began her coaching career in College Park, Md., the same place where she was a two-time conference champion as a player.
• With three shots on goal, Ruckman surpassed her previous career high of two, set against Bellarmine on Oct. 19, 2025. Ruckman’s three total shots were also the second most in a single game of her career, trailing only the five she recorded against Bellarmine last season.
Up Next
JMU hosts No. 8 Liberty in its home opener on Sept. 6 at noon.
— JMU Athletics —
