Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW):  Even though it was a holiday weekend, The Virginia Women’s Soccer Team did not slow down.  The Hoos remain in full flight after notching their fifth victory of the season on Sunday against the Dukes of James Madison University, winning 3-0 in Harrisonburg.   

Virginia began the game in the fashion they are accustomed to, with early pressure on the opposing net, taking several shots on JMU keeper Sofia DeCerb.  After ten minutes of sustained attack, forward Maggie Cagle found the back of the net with her fourth goal of the season.    

DeCerb and the JMU defense held firm in the face of several more offensive chances for Virginia, but the dam broke again in the 41st minute, as the ball caromed onto the chest of Ella Carter after a corner was punched out by the goalkeeper.  The midfielder then struck it home with authority for her first goal of her collegiate career to double the Hoos’ advantage just before halftime.   

The Dukes were held to just three shots total throughout the match, as the Virginia backline proved cohesive and steady enough to withstand any strategy JMU used to try and break through.    The Hoos made ready another corner kick in the 83rd minute, Alexis Theoret curled it into Laney Rouse, who then headed the ball across goal just right for veteran defender Kiki Maki, who rattled the twine for her first collegiate goal, and Virginia’s third goal of the match.   

That proved decisive, as UVA saw out their second road victory of the year, handing the Dukes their second loss.   

 The Hoos will travel to Richmond on Thursday evening hoping to extend their win streak to six games to begin the 2024 season against the Rams.  Kickoff is at 7:00 PM on ESPN+.