IRVING, Tx. (JMU Athletics) – James Madison lacrosse attacker Payton Root, defender Olivia Rongo, and goalkeeper Abigail Beattie have been named American Conference Attack Player, Defensive Player, and Goalkeeper of the Week, respectively, the league announced on Monday.

The recognition marks the second time this season that at least three Dukes have received laurels in the same week. Root and Rongo both grab their second recognition of the season, with Beattie earning the award for the first time in her career.

Root, a sophomore, provided two assists as JMU grabbed its first ranked win of the season with an 11-10 triumph over No. 19 Virginia. In American Conference competition against Temple, Root scored twice and dished a career best, tying seven assists during JMU’s 16-10 victory over the Owls. The Guilford, Conn. native’s seven assists and nine points are both the most in a game by an American player this season, and tied for the second most in a game in program history.

Rongo, a senior, anchored the JMU defense during its 11-10 win at No. 19 UVA. The Westhampton, N.Y. native forced five turnovers and grabbed three ground balls, registering her seventh consecutive game with at least three caused turnovers. Against Temple, Rongo caused a turnover and tallied a pair of ground balls to give JMU its second conference win of the year with a 16-10 win over the Owls.

Beattie, a sophomore, corralled four saves in 60 minutes played during the Dukes’ 11-10 win over No. 19 Virginia on Wednesday. Against Temple, the Warrenton, Va. native posted a .500 save percentage and made 10 saves to give JMU a 16-10 win. Beattie’s 10 saves are her most against an American Conference opponent this season.

The Dukes return to action tomorrow, March 31, where they will face No. 24 Pitt at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pa. First draw is scheduled for 1 p.m.

— JMU Athletics —