HARRISONBURG, Va. — George Mason fell 2-1 to James Madison at Sentara Park in the Patriots' first road test of the 2026 campaign. With the loss, both teams move to 1-0-1 on the season, while James Madison improves to 18-12-4 all-time against George Mason.
Molly Starner scored her 10th career goal for the Patriots, but Mason could not complete the comeback, falling short after the Dukes scored twice in the opening 56 minutes despite an impressive and resilient second-half performance.
HOW THEY SCORED
JMU
18' | The Dukes controlled possession and sustained pressure throughout the first half, while the Patriots did well to limit touches for MAC Hermann Trophy finalist Ginny Lackey. Emily Graeca sent a long, dangerous ball from beyond midfield toward the top of the box. Following a misclearance by a Mason defender, Lackey collected the rebound and fired a shot into the left side of the net to give JMU a 1-0 lead.
56' | Mason came out of halftime with more aggressive attacking play and increased possession, but JMU struck against the run of play. Selma Rajakangas played a through ball from the right flank in the Dukes' defensive third to Lackey, who made a run through midfield. Lackey then lofted a ball over the Mason back line to Aleigha Arndt. As Mason goalkeeper Davy closed in, Arndt tapped the ball to the side of Davy, and it rolled toward goal to put the Dukes ahead 2-0.
MASON
59' | Keira Jeffries carried the ball down the right flank and delivered a cross into a crowded six-yard box. The ball struck Soleil Flores' hand, resulting in a penalty kick for George Mason. Molly Starner stepped up to take the attempt and calmly sent her shot toward the right side, but JMU goalkeeper Sofia DeCerb made a diving save to her left. It was the first penalty kick attempt of Starner's career.
IN THE NUMBERS
Despite the late pressure, the Patriots were unable to find a second goal as the Dukes held on for the 2-1 victory.
The Patriots finished with nine total shots, while JMU recorded 11, with both teams putting seven on target. Mason held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks, including five in the second half, and committed just six fouls compared to JMU's 15. In goal, the Patriots made five saves, while JMU recorded six.
Fresh off a goal and an assist in her collegiate debut against VMI, Kylie Beauregard led the attack with a team-high four shots, including three on target, in 49 minutes of action.
NEXT FOR MASON
George Mason returns to Fairfax for a three-game homestand, beginning Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. when the Patriots host the University of Pennsylvania at George Mason Stadium.
