Dukes Complete Comeback, Defeats No. 19 Virginia

Wednesday, March 25

Charlottesville, VA

6 p.m.

James Madison University

5-5

Virginia

5-7

James Madison

Virginia

3/25/2026 9:26:00 PM | Lacrosse

Box Score Photo Gallery

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Trailing by as many as four, James Madison lacrosse completed its comeback bid and knocked off No. 19 Virginia, 11-10, at Klockner Stadium on Wednesday night.

After going down 6-2 in the second quarter, JMU (5-5, 1-1 American) outscored UVA 9-4 the rest of the way to grab its first ranked victory of the season.

Kaitlyn Carney, Aly Yee-Jenkins, and Lilly Kelley led the James Madison offense, each contributing two goals. Olivia Rongo was disruptive on the defensive side, causing five turnovers and scooping three ground balls.

Abigail Beattie got the start in goal, playing the entire game and making four saves.

Virginia (5-7, 3-3 ACC) was led by Jenna Dinardo's three goals and an assist. Elyse Finnelle got the start at goalie, making a save in 52 minutes played.

How it Happened

First Quarter – James Madison 2, Virginia 4

After Virginia opened the scoring in the 35th second of play, JMU responded with a pair of goals to go up one at the 10:41 mark.
The Cavaliers ended the quarter on a 3-0 run to go up two after one.

Second Quarter – James Madison 5, Virginia 7

UVA scored two straight to open the quarter, growing its lead to four at the 11:45 tick of the quarter.
The Dukes finished the half on a 3-1 scoring run, chopping their deficit to two at halftime.

Third Quarter – James Madison 9, Virginia 8

JMU picked up where it left off at the half, scoring three unanswered to grab its first lead since the first quarter at 8-7.
After Virginia capitalized on a power play to tie the game, Carney scored unassisted to regain a one-goal lead heading to the fourth.

Fourth Quarter – James Madison 11, Virginia 10

Carney scored at the beginning of the quarter to give the Dukes a two-goal lead; however, back-to-back goals from Virginia tied the game at 10 with just over three minutes to play.
Following a foul with a minute and a half left, Matthews capitalized on a free position shot to give JMU the lead and secure the win.

Game Notes

Tonight's victory marks Head Coach Shelley Klaes's 300th career win and her 250th at JMU.
Kelley's two goals were the first of her collegiate career.
Rongo's has caused five turnovers in three games this season.

Up Next

JMU will resume its conference schedule at home, taking on Temple at Sentara Park on Saturday, March 28. First draw is scheduled for noon and will be streamed on ESPN+.