James Madison Lacrosse Set to Clash with Duke Blue Devils in First Round of NCAA Tournament in High-Stakes Showdown
The road to a national championship begins now for James Madison University’s women’s lacrosse team, and it starts with a formidable test. The Dukes are set to face the Duke Blue Devils in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, marking a high-stakes moment for a JMU squad that has shown grit, balance, and determination all season long. The matchup pits two proud programs with distinct playing styles against one another, promising a compelling battle from the opening whistle.
James Madison (16-3) enters the tournament with confidence after a season filled with defensive excellence and tactical discipline. Under head coach Shelley Klaes, now in her 18th season at the helm, the Dukes have maintained a consistent presence in the national spotlight. Known for her intensity and program-building prowess, Klaes has turned JMU into a perennial contender, and this year’s team is no different. The Dukes have earned an at-large bid to the tournament following a strong showing in the American Athletic Conference, showcasing a style centered on airtight defense and efficient, opportunistic offense.
JMU’s journey to the NCAA Tournament included a series of statement wins. The Dukes navigated a tough schedule, defeating several ranked teams while managing a few close losses that sharpened their resolve. Their defensive unit ranks among the top in the nation in goals allowed per game, and much of that success can be attributed to goalie Isabella Peterson, a senior leader who anchors the backline with poise and precision. Peterson’s ability to read opposing offenses and make timely saves has been a cornerstone of JMU’s identity all season.
In front of Peterson, the defense led by veterans like Rachel Sliwoski and Bryn Dressel thrives on communication and physicality. The Dukes have shown a consistent ability to frustrate high-powered offenses, forcing turnovers and turning defense into transition opportunities. That defensive identity will be crucial against a Duke team that prides itself on high-octane scoring.
Offensively, the Dukes are a balanced group. Sophomore attacker Molly Dougherty has emerged as a dynamic playmaker, creating chances both on and off the ball. She’s complemented by midfielders like Katelyn Morgan and Ellie Massey, whose ability to stretch defenses and score from range adds a critical dimension. Klaes has long emphasized ball movement and patience, and this team has fully bought into that philosophy. When JMU is clicking, the offense flows seamlessly, creating open looks and forcing opposing defenses to rotate and adjust.
That fluidity will be tested against a Duke squad that comes into the tournament with its own impressive résumé. The Blue Devils (12-6) have spent the season battling through the gauntlet of the ACC, one of the nation’s toughest conferences. They’ve played some of the country’s top teams and are no strangers to high-intensity matchups. Their offense is led by junior standout Katie DeSimone, a gifted scorer with a lethal shot and quick feet. DeSimone, along with midfielders like Olivia Rubin and freshman phenom Mia Torozzi, presents a multi-faceted threat.
Duke’s style of play leans heavily on pace and aggression. The Blue Devils like to push the tempo, often looking to score early in possessions before opposing defenses can get set. That approach has paid dividends against some teams, but it also leaves them vulnerable to mistakes if forced to play at a slower tempo. That’s where the matchup becomes especially intriguing. If JMU can impose its will defensively and dictate the tempo, it could frustrate Duke’s rhythm and force them into a more methodical style of play—something the Blue Devils haven’t always excelled at.
The midfield battle may ultimately decide this contest. Draw controls will be at a premium, and both teams boast capable specialists. For JMU, the combination of Dressel and Massey has controlled the draw circle in several big games this season, giving the Dukes a possession advantage that often translates into extended offensive opportunities. Duke, however, has its own draw control ace in Rubin, who uses her height and timing to consistently win the ball. If either team gains a clear edge in draw controls, it could swing the game.
Another critical factor will be turnovers. JMU thrives when it can force mistakes and capitalize on them quickly, often catching defenses off guard in transition. Their ride game—how they pressure opponents after losing possession—is one of the most aggressive and effective in the country. Duke, in contrast, prefers a more settled clearing game, using structured passes to reset and initiate offense. If the Dukes can disrupt that process and create chaos in the midfield, they could limit Duke’s scoring chances significantly.
Special teams play will also be under the microscope. Both teams have reliable free-position shooters and solid man-down defenses. The margin for error shrinks in the postseason, and efficiency on these key opportunities can separate winners from losers. JMU’s senior leadership has emphasized discipline all year, and that poise will be critical when emotions run high on the tournament stage.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, there’s a psychological component to this matchup. JMU, with its history of success and deep postseason experience—including a national championship run in 2018—has players who know how to handle the pressure. Coach Klaes has often spoken about the importance of mental toughness and preparation. This year’s squad has embraced that mindset, showing resilience in tight games and an unshakeable belief in their system.
For Duke, the tournament offers a chance to validate a season of steady improvement. The Blue Devils have flown under the radar at times, overshadowed by the ACC’s elite, but they’ve quietly built momentum. Head coach Kerstin Kimel, in her 29th season, knows what it takes to win in May. Her squad is young in spots but plays with fearlessness, and that makes them a dangerous first-round opponent for anyone.
This game also carries a bit of narrative weight. James Madison and Duke are familiar with each other from past non-conference battles, and the schools are less than four hours apart geographically. That proximity has fueled a healthy rivalry across several sports, and the lacrosse programs are no exception. Both sides will be eager to make a statement—not just to each other, but to the broader tournament field.
For JMU, the path forward is clear but demanding. A win over Duke would likely mean a second-round showdown with a top-seeded opponent, where the margin for error becomes even smaller. But this team isn’t looking too far ahead. Klaes has instilled a “one game at a time” mentality, and her players are locked in on the task at hand. They know the stakes. They’ve prepared for this moment.
Saturday’s matchup will be more than just a lacrosse game. It will be a test of identity, willpower, and execution. Both teams have the talent to advance, and both believe they belong on the national stage. In games like these, it often comes down to which side can make the critical plays under pressure—the ground ball late in the second half, the key save, the last possession.
Whether it’s JMU’s methodical mastery or Duke’s high-speed assault that prevails, one thing is certain: fans are in for a thrilling contest between two programs that refuse to back down. The opening round of the NCAA Tournament always brings drama, and this matchup between the Dukes and the Blue Devils is no exception. With everything on the line, both teams will leave it all on the field.
And when the final whistle sounds, only one will take a step closer to championship glory. Will it be the tactical, battle-tested Dukes? Or the fast, fearless Blue Devils? The answers will come soon enough—on a field where legends are born, and every possession matters.
