NORFOLK, Va. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison women’s soccer could not overcome an early goal from Old Dominion as the Dukes fell to the Monarchs, 1-0, during Sun Belt action at ODU Soccer Complex on Thursday night.

JMU falls to 4-3-3 (0-1-1 SBC) on the year, as ODU advances to 5-1-2 (1-0-1 SBC). Junior Ashlynn Kuhla guided the Old Dominion offense, scoring the Monarchs’ lone goal on he only shot attempt. Sophomore Ginny Lackey attempted three shots for JMU, while freshman Roos Valk and senior Jordan Yang followed with two apiece.

Redshirt sophomore Sofia DeCerb received the start in the cage, playing the full 90 minutes and making five saves.

How it Happened
• The Monarchs struck first when a corner kick set up a header from Kulha that found the top of the net and put ODU ahead, 1-0, in the ninth minute.
• The JMU attack began to create opportunities in the 19th minute, earning a corner and launching a shot on goal that was saved.
• ODU pushed their way into JMU territory in the 29th minute, attempting a pair of shots that resulted in a save and a goal kick.
• The Monarchs began an offensive onslaught in the 50th minute, firing three shots and earning three corners over the next seven minutes of play.
• The Dukes’ offense fought back with a pair of shots from Jordan Yang in the 72nd and 77th that were blocked and saved, respectively.
• Despite a handful of late opportunities, nothing was able to materialize as the Monarchs held on for the victory.

Quick Facts
• This was the first matchup of the TowneBank Royal Rivalry Challenge for the 2025-26 academic year. ODU leads JMU women’s soccer in the Royal Rivalry Challenge at 2-3-1.
• Six of the last seven matchups between these two squads have been decided by one goal.

Up Next

The Dukes will return to Sentara Park to take on Sun Belt foe Georgia Southern on Sunday, September 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —