HARRISONBURG, Va. – Ginny Lackey’s late-game penalty conversion to cap a historic night propelled James Madison women’s soccer past Louisiana, 3-2, in Friday night Sun Belt action at Sentara Park.
The Dukes improve to 7-3-5 on the season (3-1-3 SBC) as the Ragin’ Cajuns fall to 5-5-4 (2-2-3 SBC). Lackey netted all three goals for JMU, securing the first James Madison hat trick in over a decade and extending her total to 10 on the season. Redshirt sophomore Jeanette Fieldsend and junior Ellie Farrell tallied assists on Lackey’s first and second scores of the night. Addison Soehn and Carson Glenn were the goal scorers for Louisiana.
Lili White and Sofia DeCerb split time in goal for JMU, playing the first and second halves, respectively. White grabbed two saves in 45 minutes, as DeCerb corralled four saves in the second half.
Quote from Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
That is a massive three points for us on senior night. Louisiana is a very good team, and I thought they had a great game plan. We were able to tilt the game in the second half into their end and thank goodness for Ginny Lackey!
How it Happened
- Louisiana had its first chance of the game in the fifth minute, a shot from the top of the arc that was easily handled by White.
- The Ragin’ Cajuns struck first on a low shot from Addison Soehn in the six-yard box to put Louisiana on top, 1-0, in the tenth minute.
- James Madison answered in the 15th minute with a strike from Lackey inside the penalty area to equalize the match 1-1.
- In the 66th minute, Lackey managed to break loose in the box to grab her second goal in as many shots and put the Dukes in front, 2-1.
- The Ragin’ Cajuns equalized, 2-2, in the 80th minute after Carson Glenn’s shot found the back left corner of the net.
- After receiving a penalty in the 86th minute, Lackey delivered a shot into the center of the net to give JMU the advantage and solidify the result, 3-2.
Quick Facts
- Lackey’s three goals mark the first hat trick by a JMU player since Lauren Wilson scored three on Georgia State on October 14, 2012.
- The Dukes currently ride a five match unbeaten streak.
- There were four total yellow cards, with Louisiana totaling three.
- JMU’s three goals tie for the most the Ragin’ Cajuns have allowed all season.
Up Next
The Dukes will take the pitch at Sentara Park one last time this season as they play host to South Alabama on Friday, October 17th. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed on ESPN+.
