HARRISONBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – The Dukes’ offense only managed one shot as JMU women’s soccer fell to No.23 North Carolina Tar Heels, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon at Sentara Park.
JMU shifts to 4-2-2 on the season as UNC advances to 6-2. Netting goals for the Tar Heels were junior Olivia Thomas with a pair and freshman Lauren Malsom. The James Madison offense was paced by junior Ellie Farrell, who fired off a shot.
Handling goalkeeper duties for the Dukes was sophomore Lili White, making her third start of the season. White played all 90 minutes and corralled a career-high five saves.
Quote from Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
“Thank you to all the fans that came out to support the team today. If you had told me before the season that we would be 4-2-2 coming out of non-conference, with the two losses being against nationally ranked teams, I would take it. This schedule and the pressure we faced helped grow the team and prepare us for Sun Belt conference play. I am excited as we head into the conference portion this season.”
How it Happened
• Thomas was able to capitalize on a deflected pass from JMU to put the Tar Heels in control, 1-0, in the 17th minute.
• The Tar Heels doubled their lead in the 22nd minute after Malsom was able to sneak a shot into the back of JMU’s net, 2-0.
• The Dukes’ offense went on the attack in the 35th minute, tallying a shot from Farrell and earning a corner kick.
• North Carolina put the match out of reach, 3-0, with a score from Thomas in the 57th minute to grab her second brace of the season.
Quick Facts
• The Tar Heels’ 12 shots are tied for their second-lowest total of the season.
• Sunday’s attendance of 823 was the third largest in JMU women’s soccer history.
Up Next
The Dukes will remain at Sentara Park, where they will open Sun Belt play against Coastal Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 13. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
— JMU Athletics —
