ITHACA, N.Y. (JMU Athletics) – A strong first half was enough for Cornell to put away James Madison lacrosse, 12-8, at Schoellkopf Field on Sunday afternoon.

JMU (2-2) was paced by senior Josie Pell, scoring her first two goals of the season. Lauren Savage added two of her own, with Payton Root grabbing a score and a pair of assists. Ava Bleckley led the defense, causing three turnovers and logging two ground balls.

Abigail Beattie received the start at goalkeeper, making two saves. Emily Evans entered in relief for Beattie, making three saves on nine shots faced.

Cornell (2-1) was led by Ella Wilmot with three goals. Senior Caitlin Tully led the defense with four caused turnovers and five ground balls. Mackenzie Clark received the start and the win at goalie with one save on nine shots faced.

How it Happened

First Quarter: James Madison 0, Cornell 5
• Cornell found the back of the net five straight times in the quarter, including two from Emily Iacobellis.
• The Big Red defense locked down the Dukes, causing three turnovers and holding JMU without a shot in the period.

Second Quarter: James Madison 2, Cornell 8
• Cornell opened the quarter with two more unanswered goals, growing their lead to seven at the 7:22 mark.
• The Dukes got on the board with a free-position goal from Jordan Peterson with just over six minutes to play in the half.
• After an answer from the Big Red, Olivia Matthews added another eight-meter goal to close James Madison’s deficit to six at the break.

Third Quarter: James Madison 4, Cornell 10
• Each team added two in the quarter, with JMU capitalizing on one of their four free position attempts.

Fourth Quarter: James Madison 8, Cornell 12
• Despite a four-goal quarter for the Dukes, it wasn’t enough to overcome the deficit, gathering their second loss of the season

Up Next
The Dukes will be without a game for over a week before heading up to Baltimore with a contest against Johns Hopkins on Tuesday, March 3. First draw is scheduled for 4 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —