TAMPA, Fla. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison lacrosse dropped its first American Conference contest of the season to the USF Bulls, 9-7, on Saturday afternoon at Corbett Stadium.

After ending the first half tied at five apiece, JMU (4-5, 1-1 American) was outscored 4-2 in the final two quarters to take its first loss to South Florida since the program joined the American in 2025.

The offense was led by Olivia Matthews, who scored two goals. Payton Root added a score and a pair of assists. The defense was anchored by Ava Bleckley and Maddie Weybrecht, who each recorded two caused turnovers and two ground balls.

Abigail Beattie received her ninth start of the season in the cage, making seven saves in all 60 minutes played.

USF (6-2, 2-0 American) was led by Elise Grissett’s four goals and Morgan Zimmerman’s two caused turnovers. Natalie Eastwood played all 60 minutes in goal and saved eight shots.

How it Happened

First Quarter – James Madison 0, USF 2
• The Bulls struck early, capitalizing on a JMU turnover to take a 1-0 lead at the 13:02 mark.
• The scoring dried for the remainder of the quarter, with both squads totaling seven turnovers, until USF found the back of the net with seven seconds remaining to double its lead.

Second Quarter – James Madison 5, USF 5
• The Dukes wasted no time opening the quarter, scoring twice in 41 seconds to tie the game at two apiece.
• After the Bulls responded with a pair of their own, James Madison scored three straight from three separate players to take its first lead of the game.
• USF added a goal from a free position shot in the closing minutes of the frame, sending the teams into the locker room tied.

Third Quarter – James Madison 6, USF 8
• South Florida scored two unanswered coming out of the gates to grab a 7-5 lead at the 8:14 mark in the third.
• After Olivia Matthews closed the gap to one, the Bulls scored from the eight-meter line to bring their lead back to two.

Fourth Quarter – James Madison 7, USF 9
• JMU took advantage of a woman-up opportunity as Kaitlyn Carney found the scoring column to bring the Dukes within a goal with just under 11 minutes to play.
• A free position goal from USF at the 4:46 mark put the game on ice as the Dukes were held without a shot for the remainder of the contest.

Up Next

The Dukes will head to Charlottesville for an in-state clash with Virginia on Wednesday, March 25. First draw is scheduled for 6 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —