NASHVILLE, Tenn. (JMU Athletics) – Down two goals in the fourth, James Madison lacrosse fought back to claim a 9-7 victory over East Carolina in the semifinals of the 2026 American Conference Championship at FirstBank Stadium on Thursday night.
JMU (12-6) outscored the Pirates 4-1 in the fourth quarter to punch their ticket to the American Conference title game in back-to-back seasons. Jordan Peterson and Bre McVicker led the offense with two goals apiece, with McVicker scoring the go-ahead goal in the fourth.
Ava Bleckley anchored the defense, causing three turnovers and a ground ball. 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 (8-9) was paced by three goals from Katelyn Sclafani. Jaime Behar got the start at goalkeeper, making 15 saves in 60 minutes played.
How it Happened
First Quarter – James Madison 2, East Carolina 1
• 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.
• After the Pirates answered with score of their own, a free position goal from Peterson gave the Dukes a one goal lead heading into the second.
Second Quarter – James Madison 3, East Carolina 4
• 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.
Third Quarter – James Madison 5, East Carolina 6
• Matthews tied the contest at four apiece after netting a goal in the fourth minute of the quarter.
• Both squads scored in the final five minutes to maintain the tie, however a Pirate goal with less than a minute remaining put ECU up one heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter – James Madison 9, East Carolina 7
• 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 to the American Conference Championship for the second consecutive season.
Quick Facts
• Peterson’s nine shots are a career high.
• McVicker’s six shots are a career high.
Up Next
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. First draw is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
— JMU Athletics —
