JMU to host UD Hens

FILE PHOTO JMU freshman midfielder Julie Stone fends off the stick of the enemy as she rushes downfield. The Dukes host the Fighting Blue Hens of the University of Delaware Friday at 4 p.m. in a CAA matchup.

As the Dukes enter a stretch in which they will play five conference games in 13 days, women’s lacrosse coach Kellie Young is looking for consistency.

JMU hasn’t won back-to-back games since defeating Notre Dame University and Virginia Tech three weeks ago. Since then, JMU is 2-3 overall and suffered its first Colonial Athletic Association defeat since the 2003 season, losing 11-7 to the College of William & Mary April 1.

"I think our team is assessing our opponent too much," Young said. "They just need to play. I feel like they see something on video but then they get shocked when an opponent brings it to them. William & Mary pressured out and we just stopped going to goal."

Against Old Dominion University April 4, Young said the Dukes came out sluggish again.

"I think in the first half against ODU we were also flat," Young said. "Once we got into a rhythm we were on target and we played great."

In the second half against ODU, the Dukes outscored the Monarchs 10-1. Young is optimistic about getting over their inconsistent play.

"I certainly hope [this sends us on our way]," Young said. "But as a coach I’ve felt like we’ve been over the hump a few times this year. We need to bring that every day and then the consistency on the field will come."

JMU will look to harness that consistency Friday when the Dukes take on the University of Delaware Blue Hens at the JMU Lacrosse Complex. The Blue Hens bring a different style of play than the Monarchs. Young said JMU will need a big game from senior goalkeeper Amy Altig.

"Delaware shoots a lot harder and a lot more often," Young said. "Altig is going to have to have a game like she did against Dartmouth, Loyola and Virginia for us to win."

Of course Altig’s performance hinges on JMU’s defense, a steadily improving unit that at its best is airtight.

"We talked with the defense about reducing shots," Young said. "We want to force bad shots and not just let Delaware inside. We want to force extra passes."

On the other side of the field, Young is installing new schemes into her offense to make it more efficient. She is adding more motion to alleviate opponents’ pressure on sophomore attacker Kelly Berger, who currently ranks No. 4 in the conference in goals with 27.

"We made a switch to one of our motion plays," Young said. "It’s off-ball attackers picking for each other and everybody making things happen instead of just watching Kelly go. If they show up and everyone’s a threat on offense, we’re going to be fine. It’s just a matter of everyone stepping up."

And with one conference loss, the Dukes will have to step up from here on out.

"We can’t lose again," Young said. "Losing to one CAA team is all we can afford if we want to get into the conference tournament and fight for that spot in the NCAA."

JMU and Delaware square off at 4 p.m.