HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Villanova University field hockey program fell to James Madison in its season opener, 2-1, on Friday (Aug. 30) at the JMU Field Hockey Complex.
 
The two teams remained scoreless throughout the first half, though Villanova did create some opportunities with seven penalty corners and three shots on goal in the first 30 minutes of play.
 
In the third quarter, James Madison broke the scoreless tie with a goal by Carissa Tambroni to give a 1-0 lead to the Dukes.
 
Just over two minutes later, Alexandria Lavelle answered for the 'Cats with a goal off a penalty corner she inserted. Shots by Sabine de Ruijter and Meghan Mitchell were blocked before the ball found Lavelle in front of the net to score and tie the game at 1-1. The goal is Lavelle's first as a Wildcat after scoring four with Richmond last season.
 
Early in the fourth quarter, JMU's Skyler Brown fired the ball into the back of the net in what would be the game-winning goal.
 
After pulling its goalie with three minutes to play, Villanova made a late push and was granted a penalty corner with 43 seconds on the clock. However, Anne Drabbe's shot was blocked, and James Madison sealed a season-opening win.
 
"We give JMU a lot of credit. They played a very strong game," said head coach Joanie Milhous. "We had our chances and just need to convert on those opportunities for our future growth."
 
With the new season, five new Wildcats made their debut in a Villanova uniform. Transfers Ava Borkowski and Lavelle each started for VU, while three freshman – Esmee de Lange, Evie Minnella and Molly Zimmerman – played their first career game.
 
Up next, Villanova will play its home opener against Sacred Heart on Sunday (Sept. 1) at the Conshohocken Proving Grounds. The game will start at noon ET and can be streamed live on FloSports.