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March 4, 2014
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The No. 9/9 Penn State women's lacrosse team (2-2, 0-0 ALC) will square off against No. RV/20 James Madison (3-1, 0-0 CAA) for the second straight year Wednesday, March 5 when the Nittany Lions travel to Harrisonburg, Va. Game time is set at 4 p.m.
HOW TO FOLLOW
A live video stream, as well as live stats, will be available at JMUsports.com.
ALL-TIME VS. JAMES MADISON
The Nittany Lions are 18-9 all-time against James Madison and defeated the Dukes by a score of 13-12 last season. Among returning players, junior attacker Maggie McCormick has eight career points (6g, 2a) against the Dukes, while senior attacker Mackenzie Cyr has five points (3g, 2a).
Junior midfielders Kelly Lechner and Tatum Coffey each have one career point against James Madison. In 2013, goalkeeper Emi Smith made five saves en route to her fourth career win.
LAST TIME VS. THE DUKES
Penn State got off to a fast start against the Dukes scoring the game's first five goals within the first 4:13 of the game. Maggie McCormick led the charge for the Nittany Lions with eight points (6g, 2a) and the Nittany Lions outshot the Dukes, 25-22, in the victory.
Final Stats (PSU-JMU): Shots (25-22), Saves (5-7), Ground Balls (11-13), Draw Controls (13-14), Turnovers (10-17), Caused Turnovers (14-8).
SCOUTING JAMES MADISON
The Dukes will enter the game at 3-1 after beating then-No. 5/7 Loyola, 8-7, on March 1. James Madison is paced by junior attacker Stephanie Finley, who has 16 points (11g, 5a) and 23 draw controls through four games this season. Currently the Dukes have four players with 10 points or more and have the No. 43-ranked offense in the nation.
LAST TIME OUT
Midfielders Madison Cyr and Abby Smucker paced the Nittany Lion scoring with two goals each in a 12-11 setback against then-No. 9/16 Virginia. Sophomore Emi Smith had a terrific effort in the loss making a career-high 16 saves.
Final Stats (PSU-UVa): Shots (32-32), Saves (16-12), Ground Balls (15-19), Draw Controls (12-13), Turnovers (11-10), Caused Turnovers (4-6).
PAIR ON TEWAARATON WATCH LIST
Juniors Kelly Lechner and Maggie McCormick have been named to the 2014 Tewaaraton Award Watch List. The Tewaaraton Award annually honors the top male and female college lacrosse player in the U.S.
Additions to the Watch List will be announced March 20 and April 10 before the field of 25 women's and men's nominees are announced April 24. The five finalists for each award will be announced May 8 with the winners being unveiled May 20 in Washington, D.C.
NEW FACES MAKING IMPACT
Junior attacker Jess Loizeaux and freshman midfielder Abby Smucker have both been strong players for the Nittany Lions this season. Loizeaux has seven points (3g, 4a), and Smucker has six goals.
SMITH HAS CAREER DAY
Emi Smith made a career-high 16 saves last weekend against Virginia. Her previous high was 12 vs. Cornell March 13, 2013.
PAIR OF JUNIORS PACING LIONS
Attacker Maggie McCormick is leading all Nittany Lions in points with 10 (6g, 4a), while midfielder Tatum Coffey is second on the team with nine (7g, 2a).
TEAM EFFORT ON OFFENSE
Through just four games this season, 14 Nittany Lions have already made their way onto the scoresheet registering at least one goal. Six Nittany Lions have five goals or more.
CYR CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Senior Mackenzie Cyr entered the 2014 season with an eye on the Penn State record books. The Westminster, Md., native has collected 84 assists in her stellar career, good for fifth on the Nittany Lions' all-time list. Julie Tice (1997-2000) holds the program record with 115 career assists.
ALTIG FACES ALMA MATER
Nittany Lion assistant coach Amy Altig ('05) was a two-time All-CAA goalkeeper for the Dukes. During her senior season, she ranked among the NCAAs top-20 goalkeepers in GAA and save percentage.
LOOKING AHEAD
Following their matchup with the Dukes, the Nittany Lions will return home Saturday, March 8 when they face No. 12/12 Loyola. Opening draw at the Penn State Lacrosse Field is set at 1 p.m.