Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech fell to No. 18 James Madison, 15-11, inside the Beamer-Lawson Indoor Practice Facility on Wednesday night.
The Hokies jumped out to an early 8-1 lead in the first quarter thanks to a balanced scoring attack in the first 15 minutes.
However, James Madison settled into the game much more in the second quarter and took control in the draw circle. The Dukes claimed six of seven draws in the period, while out-scoring Tech, 5-1.
Holding on to a 9-7 lead at the half, the Hokies matched the top-20 Dukes’ output in the third quarter, as Lauren Render added two of her four goals in the third frame.
James Madison earned separation in the final quarter, with Savannah Derey and Maddie Epke providing five of six goals, to secure the comeback win for the visitors.
Despite taking her first loss of the season, goalie Aaliyah Jones stood on her head for most the afternoon, recording 17 saves for the Hokies. That’s the highest single-game mark for a Tech goalie since Meagh Graham had 18 against Notre Dame on April 15, 2017.
The Hokies will look to rebound on Saturday at noon when they face 2024 NCAA tournament side Mercer in Blacksburg.