HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison softball (18-20, 6-8 SBC) secured the series victory over Louisiana (22-17, 5-9 SBC) with a dominant five-inning 10-2 run-rule win at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday afternoon.
Emily LeGrand led the Dukes with a perfect 3-for-3 performance at the plate, highlighted by a three-run home run that fueled JMU’s decisive third inning.
Emma Jo Evans added a strong showing, going 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs while consistently creating scoring opportunities. Cali Legzdin contributed multiple hits, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored to help keep the offense rolling.
In the circle, Taylor Johnson earned the win, tossing five innings while allowing just two runs (one earned) on four hits with a pair of strikeouts.
How It Happened:
• Louisiana struck first in the opening frame with an RBI double, but the Dukes quickly responded and took control for good in the third inning.
• Evans got things started in the third with an RBI double to even the score before JMU capitalized on a Louisiana error that plated two unearned runs.
• Moments later, LeGrand delivered the biggest swing of the game, launching a three-run home run to center to cap a five-run inning and give the Dukes a commanding lead.
• JMU continued to pile on in the fourth, as Evans added an RBI single, followed by run-scoring hits from Madison Edwards and Kendra Lewis to extend the advantage.
• Louisiana managed to push across a run in the fifth, but the Dukes answered again, taking advantage of another defensive error to extend its lead to eight runs.
With the victory, JMU clinched the series and will look to complete the sweep in the finale at 12 p.m. on Saturday.
— JMU Athletics —
