Over the last few years, JMU Athletics has embraced the National spotlight, and I’m not just referring to back to back appearances in the FCS National Championship game for football. Two programs in particular have helped pace JMU to be one of the best athletic departments in the nation, and both have major conference matchups this weekend.  

JMU Lacrosse is ranked 4^th in the nation, and set a school record for the first 15 games on the schedule, going 14-1. This year’s Senior Class just became the winningest class in program history.  For someone who doesn’t know a lot about Lacrosse, I enjoy watching this team for several reasons, one of which is how they start. The Dukes want to attack early, so they come out of the gate looking to put pressure on the opposition. In Lacrosse, after every goal, the ball is up for grabs again, and this where the Dukes have put their opposition behind the 8 ball early by winning control of the ball two or three times before the opponent wins control. JMU is the reigning CAA champions, and are looking to repeat again this year but will have to go through perennial power the Towson Tigers this Saturday at Towson. The 6^th ranked Tigers are a hefty 13-2 overall and 5-0 in conference play. Saturday’s winner will be the regular season champs and gets the #1 seed in the upcoming tournament which will be held at Sentara Park May 4^th – 6^th.

JMU Softball is no stranger to the top of the CAA standings and find’s themselves with a HUGE series looming this weekend at home versus Hofstra. The Dukes are 33-10 overall and 13-2 in CAA play. The Pride comes to town unbeaten in league action at 15-0 and 34-8 overall. By looking at the results in CAA play, the Pride haven’t been challenged too often. After 2 straight losses, The Dukes held a team meeting prior to their trip to Elon, and it looks as if it was a successful “clearing of the air” as JMU pounded out 33 hits in 3 games, including 6 homeruns. Morgan Tolle hit 4 homers to lead the Dukes offense, while Odicci Alexander pitched all but 3 innings in the 3 game series helping to hold Elon to 4 runs and 16 hits on the weekend.

JMU Lacrosse and JMU Softball have a few common traits- they work fast, love to pressure the opponent and are comfortable on the big stage. JMU Nation has a lot to already be proud of with these teams, and if you haven’t done so already, become invested in these teams as they look to garner more national attention for James Madison Athletics.