James Madison University’s softball team split their games on the second day of the Lakeside Book Company Invitational at Veterans Memorial Park. The Dukes lost to Hofstra 3-2 before defeating Buffalo 14-3 in a five-inning game.
In the first game, JMU took an early lead with a home run from redshirt freshman Kira Ortega and a double by junior Madison Edwards that scored graduate Kylee Gleason. Hofstra tied the game in the fourth inning with a two-run home run by Gabby Sultan and later took the lead in the sixth. JMU had runners in scoring position in the seventh but could not tie or win, ending with a ground out.
The second game saw JMU’s offense surge, highlighted by six home runs—the most for the team since March 22, 2022. Junior Kendra Lewis led with two home runs, three runs scored, and four RBI. Sophomore Cali Legzdin and freshman Emma Jo Evans each contributed three RBI. Freshman Aynalem Zoet added an RBI single as well. Junior Kirsten Fleet earned her fifth win of the season after pitching three innings and recording three strikeouts.
JMU scored seven runs in the first inning against Buffalo, including three-run homers from Evans and Legzdin after sophomore Emily LeGrand’s RBI single started things off. Buffalo responded with three runs in their half of the second inning but JMU restored its lead quickly. In addition to Lewis’ home runs, LeGrand and freshman Mia Tribul hit solo shots during a three-homer third inning.
The Dukes’ six-home run performance marked their highest total since hitting eight at Radford on March 22, 2022. Their 14-run output was also their most since scoring 15 against Fordham on March 8, 2025.
“Kendra Lewis tied her career high in hits and runs scored while posting a season high in RBI during the win over Buffalo.”
The Dukes will conclude play at the Lakeside Book Company Invitational against Hofstra at Veterans Memorial Park tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., with streaming available on ESPN+.
