SPARKS, Md. – James Madison grabbed the No. 12 ranking in the Nike/USA Lacrosse Division I Women’s Preseason Top 20, as announced by USA Lacrosse Magazine on Tuesday.

The No. 12 ranking is one higher than the Dukes’ No. 13 position in USA Lacrosse’ final poll last season. JMU also finished last year in the 12th spot in the final ILWomen/IWLCA coaches poll.

The preseason recognition comes after a 14-5 campaign and NCAA Championship appearance in 2022, including five wins over ranked opponents. A pair of returners in Mairead Durkin and Isabella Peterson were recognized as All-Americans by the outlet last season.

Six opponents on JMU’s 2023 schedule were also named in the Top 20: North Carolina (No. 1), Maryland (No. 2), Rutgers (No. 7), Florida (No. 8), Virginia (No. 13) and Richmond (No. 20). Johns Hopkins and Temple also received votes in Tuesday’s poll.

The Dukes will begin the 2023 season against the top-ranked and defending national champion Tar Heels on Feb. 11 in Chapel Hill.

— JMU Athletics —