RALEIGH, N.C. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison women’s soccer netted two first-half goals to propel them past NC State to open its season with a 3-0 victory on Thursday evening at Dail Soccer Field.
Sophomore Ginny Lackey and freshman Audrey Orrock chalked goals for the Dukes, in the 11th and 75th minutes respectively. Freshman Selma Rajakangas logged an assist on Orrock’s goal for the first of her career.
Redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Sofia DeCerb spent all 90 minutes in the goal and tallied six saves for her first shutout of the new year.
Quoting Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
“So proud of the team tonight. What a great start. There were a lot of good performances. Still, some areas we want to improve, but well done, girls.”
How it Happened
• The Dukes’ first shot of the match came in the first minute, a strike from redshirt sophomore Jeanette Fieldsend that was saved.
• In the 11th minute, Lackey intercepted a goal kick from the Wolfpack and sent a shot from outside of the penalty box for the first JMU score of the season.
• In the 27th minute, an errant pass from NC State sent the ball into their own net to double James Madison’s lead, 2-0.
• The NC State attack picked up the pace at the end of the half, taking four shots in the final 10 minutes. DeCerb registered saves on two of them.
• An Audrey Orrock header off a cross from Selma Rajakangas allowed the Dukes to extend their advantage in the 75th minute, 3-0.
• DeCerb secured the clean sheet with a diving save in the final minute of play as JMU recorded its first victory of the campaign.
Quick Facts
• Tonight’s victory was JMU’s first win over an ACC opponent since 2014, when they defeated No. 24 Wake Forest on the road, 2-1
• The Dukes have won their last four season openers.
• JMU’s last win over the Wolfpack came in 1998 when it grabbed a 3-0 victory at a neutral site in Greensboro, N.C.
Up Next
The Dukes head home to take on the Liberty Flames at Sentara Park on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 6 p.m.
— JMU Athletics —
