Undefeated at home, Madison improves to 8-1

By Nick Koup, contributing writer
Posted on October 1, 2007

The Madison women’s soccer team improved to 8-1 Friday by winning its Colonial Athletic Association opener against Georgia State, and has the best record through nine games in JMU women’s soccer history.

The Dukes came out of the gates strong and kept pressure on the Panthers, out-shooting them 20-6.

Senior forward Annie Lowry struck first in the seventh minute with a rocketing free kick goal from the top of the box. The shot soared over the outstretched fingers of GSU freshman goalie Heidi Blankenship and into the top left corner of the net. 

Senior Melanie Schaffer scored her second goal of the season when sophomore forward Jess Remmes rebounded a shot out to her in the 15th minute and Schaffer buried it from 10 yards. Remmes scored a goal of her own from 30 yards out in the closing minutes of the first half off an assist from junior midfielder Lindsay Bowers, giving JMU a commanding 3-0 lead.

“Georgia State’s defense was extremely timid, and it gave us an edge,” Remmes said.

  The second period was not as active on offense for the Dukes; they had just seven shots compared with 13 in the first half. The Panthers only had two shots in the second period, but snuck one in from 6 yards out in the 65th minute.  However, GSU could not keep up with the JMU offensive attack.

“We displayed impressive first half ball movement,” JMU coach David Lombardo said.  “Jess played a great game and was important to our success tonight.  She assisted one of the first goals and then scored one of her own.  Her intensity really created the dynamic that set the tone for the rest of the game.”

The victory over Georgia State made the Dukes’ record 6-0 at home, and a 2-0 win against UNC-Wilmington Sunday brought JMU to 7-0 at home.

“We have good players and we have good depth,” Lombardo said. “We’re a very confident team right now and we’re on a mission to win a conference championship.”

Madison continues conference play Friday, October 5 at Drexel in its third CAA contest of the season, and travels to Delaware for its fourth conference match-up.