James Madison University’s softball team defeated Georgia Southern, 9-3, to clinch its first Sun Belt Conference series victory of the season on March 15 at Eagle Field.
The win marks an important step for JMU as it improves its conference record and builds momentum early in the season. The Dukes matched their season-high with 15 hits and scored eight runs between the fourth and sixth innings to take control of the game.
Kendra Lewis led the offense by going 3-for-4 with four runs batted in, including a three-run home run and an RBI double. Cali Legzdin contributed a perfect day at the plate, finishing 4-for-4 with three RBI, highlighted by a bases-clearing triple. Kylee Gleason added a 3-for-5 performance with an RBI, while Madison Edwards and Emily LeGrand each recorded hits and scored runs.
Pitcher Payton List earned the win after pitching six and one-third innings, striking out five batters while allowing three hits. Taylor Johnson came in during the seventh inning to secure the final two outs for JMU.
Georgia Southern took an early lead with a two-run homer in the second inning. However, JMU responded quickly as Gleason singled home Legzdin in the third. The Dukes then surged ahead in the fourth when Legzdin hit a bases-clearing triple. Lewis extended JMU’s lead in the fifth with her seventh home run of the season. Additional runs came in the sixth from an Edwards sacrifice fly and another RBI double from Lewis.
JMU will begin a two-week homestand starting Tuesday, March 17, hosting No. 24 Virginia at Veterans Memorial Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m., with coverage available on ESPN+.
