UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (JMU Athletics) – Freshman Audrey Orrock’s late score, coupled with an intense defensive effort, led to James Madison women’s soccer drawing No.9 Penn State, 1-1, at Jeffrey Field on Sunday night.
The Dukes move to 3-1-2 on the year, while the Nittany Lions shift to 3-1-1. Orrock netted JMU’s lone score of the night, receiving assists from sophomore Ginny Lackey and senior Jordan Yang. Bella Ayscue grabbed PSU’s only goal, receiving aid from Julia Raich.
Redshirt sophomore Sofia DeCerb logged the start in goal for the Dukes, playing 28 minutes and making a save. Sophomore Lili White entered in relief for DeCerb, clocking the last 62 minutes and saving a pair of shots.
Quote from Head Coach Joshua Walters, Sr.
“That is an epic result for our program and so much of the credit goes to the girls for executing our tactical plan tonight. They earned every bit of that!”
How it Happened
• The Penn State attack tested JMU early, launching its first shot in the second minute, which was corralled by DeCerb.
• The Dukes didn’t take long to respond, with Selma Rajakangas sending an attempt in the fourth minute that was saved, leading to JMU’s first corner of the match.
• After being awarded a free kick from right outside the 18-yard box in the 27th minute, the Nittany Lions put up a set piece that DeCerb punched away.
• In the 43rd minute, Ayscue curved a free kick through the posts to break the ice and put the Nittany Lions ahead, 1-0.
• Following a lob from Yang, Lackey found Orrock forcing her way through the defense to deliver the equalizer in the 73rd minute to even the match at 1-1.
• The Nittany Lions’ offense fired off three shots and earned two corner kicks in the final 10 minutes of play; however, the Duke’s tough defense kept Penn State from capitalizing.
Quick Facts
• The last time the Dukes drew a top 10 opponent was on Sept. 11, 2011, against No.3 Maryland, where the match finished as a 0-0 draw in Harrisonburg.
• The only other time these two teams have knotted was in 2004, where the match ended 0-0 after two overtimes in Harrisonburg.
• White’s 62 minutes in between the poles are a career high.
Up Next
JMU makes its way back to Harrisonburg, where it will square off against Maryland on Thursday, Sept. 4th, at Sentara Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
— JMU Athletics —
