HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (JMU Athletics) – A pair of first-half goals was enough for Marshall to take down James Madison women’s soccer, 2-1, in Sun Belt play at the Hoop Family Field on Sunday afternoon.

Despite the Dukes (4-5-1, 2-1-0 SBC) drawing within a score in the 26th minute, the tally held level for the remaining 64 minutes, handing JMU its first loss of conference play. Ginny Lackey was James Madison’s sole goal scorer, coming on the heels of an assist from Samantha DeGuzman.

Sofia DeCerb tallied her 10th start of the season, spending all 90 minutes at goalkeeper, making two saves.

Scoring goals for Marshall (6-2-3, 2-0-1 SBC) were Maria Chaves and Geovanna Souza, both grabbing the third of their respective seasons. Emma Durand played all 90 minutes at goalkeeper and made a pair of saves.

How it Happened
• Marshall converted its first shot attempt of the afternoon, a header that handed the Thundering Herd a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.
• MU doubled its lead off a corner kick in the 22nd minute, taking a 2-0 advantage over the Dukes.
• JMU entered the scoring column three minutes later, with Lackey finding the top right corner to bring the score to 2-1.
• The Herd broke through into the Dukes’ defensive third in the 66th minute, taking two shots that were saved by DeCerb.
• James Madison placed a shot on goal in the 79th minute, a header from Arndt that was saved.
• The Dukes’ attack threatened to score in the 89th minute; however, Lackey’s shot was blocked, and the Herd held on for the victory.

Match Notes
• DeGuzman’s assist is her first at JMU, and the ninth of her collegiate career.
• DeCerb has played all 90 minutes in seven matches this season.
• Amina Bibossynova’s start was the first of her collegiate career.

Up Next
The Dukes will return to Sentara Park on Thursday, Oct. 1st, hosting App State in Sun Belt action. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —