No. 20 Penn State women’s lacrosse lost to No. 3 James Madison 14-12 Wednesday in Harrisonburg, VA.

Despite going on a 7-1 run to close things out, Missy Doherty’s Nittany Lions couldn’t quite catch up to the undefeated Dukes.

How It Happened

The game was tied 3-3 with 17:20 left in the first half, but James Madison dialed up a 4-1 rally to put the Nittany Lions on their heels heading into the intermission. Sophomore attacker Maria Auth tallied her first two assists of the season, while senior captain Maggie Gallagher provided two goals in the early going.

Junior attacker Madison Carter scored five goals for the second game in a row, upping her season total to 23. She notched the final two goals of the game, but the Nittany Lions were unable to find the back of the net in the last 3:38 of play.

James Madison peppered freshman goalkeeper Lucy Lowe throughout the first half with 20 shots to Penn State’s nine before the break. Lowe finished with 11 saves in the loss. Gallagher also wrapped up her hat trick of the year. Auth, Katie O’Donnell, and Sophia Triandafils rounded out the scoring with a combined four goals for the Nittany Lions.

Player of the Game

Haley Warden | Senior | Midfielder

The Glen Mills, PA, native led the Dukes with a game-high six points (five goals). The win helped James Madison (6-0) match its best start to a season in seven years.

What’s Next?

The Nittany Lions (3-3) travel to Albany this Sunday for a noon start against the Great Danes.