Slow Start Dooms Pirates in 16-10 Loss at James Madison

Saturday, March 14

Harrisonburg, VA

12:00 p.m.

East Carolina University

3-4, 0-1

James Madison

4-4, 1-0

East Carolina

James Madison

March 14, 2026 | Lacrosse

Box Score

HARRISONBURG, Va. – The East Carolina lacrosse team dropped its American Conference opener to James Madison on Saturday afternoon, 16-10.

James Madison (4-4, 1-0 American) came out firing, scoring four goals in the opening five minutes to take early control. Kayla Wilkes put the Pirates (3-4, 0-1 American) on the board to cut the deficit to three, but Olivia Matthews tallied her third goal of the game late in the first period to give the Dukes a 5-1 advantage after one quarter.

The Dukes extended their lead in the second period with back-to-back goals from Bre McVicker and Aly Yee-Jenkins. East Carolina responded with goals from Katelyn Sclafani, Sarah Goodison, and Rachel Chessock, but James Madison outscored the Pirates 5-3 in the quarter to carry a 10-4 lead into halftime.

Defense dominated much of the third period, with just three combined goals scored. Chessock found the back of the net for the second time in the game off an assist from Jamie Collender.

The Pirates made a late push in the fourth quarter, scoring five goals in the period, but were unable to overcome the early deficit as the Dukes secured the 16-10 victory.

Chessock, Wilkes, and Goodison each finished with two goals and an assist to lead the East Carolina offense. Collender recorded a career-high four points with two goals and two assists, while Sclafani and Riley Matthiesen each added a goal. Chessock led the team with three ground balls, while Bella Askey paced the Pirates with three draw controls.

Up Next: The Pirates return home to Bill Clark Homes Field at Johnson Stadium on Saturday, March 21, to face Temple. Opening draw is scheduled for 11 a.m.