HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – The result was never in doubt for James Madison field hockey (5-6, 4-1 MAC) Friday afternoon as the Dukes got out to an early multi-goal advantage and never looked back, winning 4-1 over Bellarmine (2-9, 2-3 MAC) from the JMU Field Hockey Complex.
Prior to today, JMU had only scored twice in the first half all season. The Dukes proceeded to double that total in the first frame against the Knights as Elena Giangaspero and Brynna Hill notched goals in the first quarter. JMU was able to put the game out of reach in the second half when a third goal came off the stick of Emma Smit.
James Madison stuffed the stat sheet offensively, registering 18 shots, 10 of which were on-goal attempts. The Dukes outclassed the Knights in penalty corners, holding an 8-1 edge. Defensively, JMU limited Bellarmine to just five shots as Lilly Sweeney pitched a first-half shutout while Hannah Popolis posted two saves in her first action of the season.
How It Happened
• JMU wasted hardly any time finding the scoreboard as Avery Ruckman charged into the shooting circle and fired a shot that ricocheted off the pad of Bellarmine’s goalkeeper. Giangaspero maneuvered towards the loose ball, spun to her right and flicked in JMU’s opening goal of the game in the 2nd minute.
• The Dukes kept the pressure on in the first frame, drawing a penalty corner in the 15th minute of play. Azul Covarrubias rocketed a shot towards goal that was tapped in by Hill to push JMU’s advantage to 2-0.
• The Dukes created more chances for themselves in the third quarter, seeing another ball get to the back of the net when Smit volleyed the ball at the goal numerous times and scored on her final try, giving the first year forward her fourth goal of the season.
• As time winded down in the final minute, Ruckman played until the final whistle, scoring a late goal to pour it on for the Dukes.
Game Notes
• With the win, JMU remains tied at the top of the MAC standings, holding 12 points in conference play. The Dukes have won four consecutive games dating back to Sept. 27, three of which came come against MAC foes in Kent State, Longwood and Bellarmine
• Hill and the Dukes continued their success against Bellarmine as JMU is now 4-0 all-time against the Knights dating back to 2022 when JMU joined the MAC in field hockey. For Hill, the goal gives her seven career points against Bellarmine as the fourth year midfielder recorded a career-high five points in JMU’s 5-0 win over the Knights last season.
• Thanks to Smit’s score, the Dukes once again struck in the third quarter, giving them 12 goals in the third frame this season. Over half of JMU’s 22 goals in 2026 have been scored in the third quarter.
• Ruckman has scored a goal in five straight games for the Dukes, giving the third year forward a team-leading total of six goals and 14 points this season.
Up Next
James Madison has the weekend off before getting back in action next Friday at Ohio with start time slated for 2 p.m.
— JMU Athletics —
