WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (JMU Athletics) – In a back-and-forth battle featuring three lead changes, Azul Covarrubias’ brace and Avery Ruckman’s game-winning goal in the 60th minute lifted James Madison field hockey (4-6, 3-1 MAC) over William & Mary (2-8, 1-1 CAA), 3-2.
In addition to Ruckman’s three-point effort, the Dukes got a remarkable performance from captain Azul Covarrubias, who scored a pair of goals in the third quarter, both of which came off penalty corner opportunities. Emma Smit led JMU in shots, tallying a career-high five in the contest. Elena Giangaspero also aided the Dukes’ attack with three shots, one of which was on goal.
The Dukes had a strong day offensively, outshooting the Tribe 16-9 while holding a 10-5 advantage in shots on goal and a 6-4 edge in penalty corners. Additionally, Lilly Sweeney made her presence known in goal, delivering three critical stops to help preserve the victory.
How It Happened
• William & Mary took the early lead when Samantha Daly snuck the ball past the Dukes’ defense in the eighth minute.
• After trailing 1-0 at halftime, the Dukes struck twice in the third quarter as Covarrubias found the back of the net on a pair of penalty corners. Both of the fourth-year defender’s goals were assisted by Brynna Hill, who made the insertion on each score.
• The Tribe tied things up in the 50th minute when Hailey Haynes put one past JMU to make it 2-2 in the fourth quarter.
• In the game’s final minute, Diede Donders raced down the sideline and fed the ball into the middle of the circle to Ruckman, who spun around and flicked the game-winning goal into the top of the net.
Game Notes
• James Madison is on a three-game winning streak that began Sept. 27 against Kent State, marking the Dukes’ longest winning streak since JMU rattled off four in a row from Oct. 19-Nov. 5, 2025.
• Covarrubias is no stranger to success at Busch Field, as the then-freshman recorded a brace against the Tribe in her first career game. Now a fourth-year captain for the Dukes, Covarrubias brought the story full circle with another multi-goal effort in Williamsburg.
• Ruckman has notched a goal in three straight games, giving her five on the season. She leads JMU in both goals and points with 12.
• The Dukes once again had it going in the third quarter, scoring two of their three goals after halftime. This season, 11 of JMU’s 19 goals have occurred in the third period of play.
• James Madison and William & Mary have met 73 times, making the Tribe JMU’s most-played opponent in school history. The Dukes move to 43-24-7 all-time against William & Mary and have won the last six matchups dating to 2019.
Up Next
James Madison returns home to the JMU Field Hockey Complex to host Bellarmine on Friday at 2 p.m.
— JMU Athletics —
