James Madison Lacrosse Rallies Past East Carolina 9-7 to Reach American Championship

Key facts

• JMU defeated East Carolina 9-7 in the American Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship semifinal.
• The Dukes trailed 7-5 entering the fourth quarter before scoring four unanswered goals.
• Goalkeeper Jaime Behar made 15 saves for JMU, while ECU's Katelyn Sclafani scored three goals.
• Josie Pell opened the scoring for JMU with 6:06 left in the first quarter.
• Emily Simkin assisted Chloe Bleckley with 21 seconds left in the half to cut the deficit to one.
• Ava Main recorded two caused turnovers and three ground balls for the Dukes.
• The match was played at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee.
• JMU will face South Florida in the championship final on Saturday, May 2.

Comeback Seals Semifinal Victory

Down two goals in the fourth quarter, James Madison lacrosse fought back to claim a 9-7 victory over East Carolina in the semifinals of the 2026 American Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship on Thursday night at Vanderbilt’s FirstBank Stadium. The win sends the Dukes to the conference title game for the fourth consecutive season. Both teams were quiet to begin the match until Josie Pell scored to give JMU a 1-0 lead with 6:06 to play in the first. East Carolina controlled the second quarter, going on a 3-0 run and saving three JMU shots to go up 4-2 with 5:34 remaining in the half. With 21 seconds to play in the quarter, Emily Simkin fed Chloe Bleckley to close the JMU deficit to one at the half.

Second-Half Surge Turns the Tide

After a Pirate score made it a two-goal game, three straight from JMU including back-to-back goals from McVicker gave JMU its first lead since the first quarter. A Kaitlyn Carney goal put the game out of reach for ECU, allowing JMU to advance. The fourth quarter saw JMU outscore East Carolina 9-7 overall, with the Dukes' defense holding firm. Ava Main contributed a pair of caused turnovers and three ground balls. Abigail Beattie got the start in cage, playing all 60 minutes and making five saves. ECU was paced by three goals from Katelyn Sclafani. Jaime Behar got the start at goalkeeper for East Carolina, making 15 saves in 60 minutes played.

Championship Rematch Awaits

The Dukes find themselves in a rematch of last year's American Championship, facing South Florida in the finals of the 2026 American Championship at FirstBank Stadium on Saturday, May 2. JMU has now reached the conference final in four straight seasons, a testament to the program's sustained excellence. East Carolina finishes the season with an 8-9 record overall and 3-4 in conference play. The Pirates were the No. 3 seed in the tournament, while James Madison entered as the No. 2 seed. The victory improves JMU's record to an undisclosed mark, but the team's focus is squarely on the upcoming title match.

Key Performances and Statistics

JMU's balanced attack was led by multiple contributors. Josie Pell opened the scoring, while Emily Simkin and Chloe Bleckley combined for a crucial late-first-half goal. Ava Main's defensive efforts—two caused turnovers and three ground balls—were instrumental in stifling ECU's offense. Goalkeeper Abigail Beattie made five saves in a full 60-minute effort. For East Carolina, Katelyn Sclafani's three goals led the team, but the Pirates could not overcome JMU's fourth-quarter surge. Jaime Behar's 15 saves kept ECU in the game, but the Dukes' defense limited scoring opportunities down the stretch. The game featured a total of 16 goals, with JMU's 9-7 final margin reflecting their late dominance.

Context and Stakes

The American Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship brings together the top teams in the conference, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. JMU's fourth consecutive appearance in the final underscores their status as a powerhouse in the conference. South Florida, their opponent, will be seeking to defend their title from the previous year. The match was played at Vanderbilt's FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, providing a neutral site for the tournament. The Dukes' comeback victory not only extends their season but also sets up a highly anticipated rematch with South Florida, who defeated them in last year's final.

What Comes Next

JMU will face South Florida in the American Conference Championship final on Saturday, May 2, at FirstBank Stadium. The game is scheduled to determine the conference's automatic qualifier for the NCAA tournament. For the Dukes, a win would not only avenge last year's loss but also secure a spot in the national postseason. East Carolina's season concludes with an 8-9 record, but the Pirates showed resilience in the semifinal, pushing JMU to the brink. The Dukes, meanwhile, will look to carry their fourth-quarter momentum into the championship game. With a balanced roster and a history of success, JMU enters the final as a formidable contender.

The bottom line

• James Madison rallied from a two-goal fourth-quarter deficit to beat East Carolina 9-7.
• The Dukes advance to their fourth consecutive American Conference Championship final.
• Goalkeeper Jaime Behar made 15 saves for ECU, while JMU's defense forced key turnovers.
• JMU will face South Florida in a rematch of last year's final on Saturday, May 2.
• The winner earns an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
• Katelyn Sclafani led East Carolina with three goals in the losing effort.