Story courtesy of James Madison Athletic Communications
James Madison 3, No. 18 Liberty 2
Box Score
HARRISONBURG, Va. – Alice Roeper's first-half brace gave James Madison a 2-0 advantage at the break and the Dukes held on for a 3-2 victory over No. 18 Liberty in non-conference field hockey action at the JMU Field Hockey Complex on Tuesday afternoon.
For JMU (12-4, 6-0 MAC), the win marked the program's first over a ranked opponent since posting a 2-0 shutout versus #12 Wake Forest on Oct. 16, 2022.
In addition to Roeper's two goals, graduate student Mia Julian found the back of the net for the game-winning goal, her third of the season. Junior Julie Narleski, fifth year Carissa Tambroni and Julian chipped in with assists.
Senior Katie Fricke made her second career start and tallied five saves, including four in the second half for the win.
Tuti Dell Anna scored both goals for the Flames, while both assists came from Dara Semmartin.
Narleski connected with Roeper in the circle who spun and shot five-hole to give the Dukes a 1-0 lead at the 6:42 mark of the opening frame.
Halfway through the second quarter, Julian drove along the goal line and dished to Roeper who tapped it in to make it 2-0 JMU heading into the break.
Liberty took advantage of a penalty corner late in the third as Dell Anna found Semmartin on the right post for the deflection to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Tambroni intercepted a pass at midfield and found Julian in transition for a tip-in to the bottom left corner to create a 3-1 cushion with 9:57 remaining.
The Flames earned a penalty corner in the final three minutes and converted with another goal from Dell Anna with an assist from Semmartin.
The Dukes played keep away and did now allow a shot for the remainder of the game to hold on for a 3-2 win.
James Madison is tied with Liberty in the all-time series, 4-4, dating back to 2015. The Dukes' 12 wins are the most by the team since going 12-7 (6-0 CAA) in 2021.
Roeper has 13 goals in the 2024 campaign, including six in the last six games. Liberty held the advantage in shots (13-12), shots on goal (7-5) and penalty corners (4-3).
The Dukes will remain in the Commonwealth of Virginia for a meeting at Longwood on Friday, Nov. 1. Action in Farmville, Va. is set for 5 p.m. and will stream on ESPN+.
