NCAA Women's Lacrosse Preview: No. 18 James Madison Retools

USA Lacrosse Magazine is beginning its countdown to the 2025 women's lacrosse season by releasing one team preview per day beginning on Monday, Jan. 13.

We continue the countdown with No. 18 James Madison, which is back to being a team others might not know much about after the graduation of Isabella Peterson.

Like a lot of teams around the country, James Madison must replace key contributors after graduating seven starters, including All-American attacker Isabella Peterson.

“We’re really searching for who’s hungry within this program to be the next Isabella Peterson,” head coach Shelley Klaes said.

Peterson was one of the four offensive graduates that accounted for 55 percent of last year’s points. Much of the offense went through her and Maddie Epke, who does return. The offense has new sources from a range of returning players in larger roles and some impact freshmen.

“We’re back to people don’t know who we are again,” Klaes said.

JMU will be tested early with road games at North Carolina and Virginia Tech. Those will be the first chances to see an offense that will have more balance and wants to play faster. Last year, the Dukes found success at a high tempo in a win over UNC, but couldn’t sustain it the whole year.

Klaes is hopeful that a top draw game and defense that features high IQ players capable of playing multiple styles can create chances to run.

“Us finding some ways to push the game, play a little faster, will be exciting,” she said. 

TOP RETURNERS

Maddie Epke, A, Jr. (80PTS, 178DC)
Ava Bleckley, D, So. (31CT, 37GB)
Caitlin Boden, G, Jr. (.430 SV%, 11.65GAA)

Epke might have some different faces on the circle, but she gives the Dukes a great starting point. Now in her third year, she comes off a summer in which she set a tournament record with 110 draw controls while helping the U.S. U20 National Team win a gold medal. Her 178 draw controls last year for JMU was a program record.

“We have a great draw game,” said Klaes.

Epke is also the top returning scorer (57G, 23A) for the Dukes. She’ll play a huge role in their success.

KEY ADDITIONS

Reese Cuviello, Fr., D (79DC, 47CT)
Abigail Beattie, Fr., G (7.20GAA)
Carolyn Thistlewaite, Gr., D (25GB, 17CT) *2023 season

The defense is shored up with this trio. Cuviello might already be JMU’s top defender, and Beattie is pushing Boden for the starting spot. Then there’s Thistlewaite, a proven commodity who returns after missing last year with a knee injury. She’s always been a strong 1-v-1 defender and was a force early in her career on the inside of JMU’s zone.

“We could possibly put her back on the perimeter and use her hands and her takeaway skills,” Klaes said. “So, her flexibility and experience is tremendous, and we’re really excited that she’s back.”

NOTABLE DEPARTURES

Graduations: Kacey Knobloch, A; Taylor Marchetti, M; Nicholle Marshall, M; Katelyn Morgan, A; Isabella Peterson, A; Alex Pirisino, D; Lizzy Pirisino, D

X-FACTOR

Savannah Derey, A, Sr. (17G)

Derey started last year and was seventh on the team in goals. She’s scored 17 apiece in each of the last two seasons. She is a glue player who clicks well with teammates on and off the field and shows leadership. This year, her role on the field will expand.

“Her catch-finish was really good, but I think this year she’s going to be more of a playmaker, not so confined in her role,” Klaes said. “I think if we can get her scoring some goals for our offense, it’ll take a lot of pressure off Maddie Epke, and our offensive unit needs that.”

THE NARRATIVE

Whereas last year’s JMU team had well established components, this year’s team is one that will evolve over the season as players find their roles. The Dukes are confident in their depth and plan to use more athletes at both ends of the field to play faster than usual. It could take a couple of weeks before it all comes together.

In their settled attack, the Dukes are looking at a more traditional approach. They will use picks and have been working on off-ball movements to give dodgers more feeding options. They’ll rely on teamwork more than individual efforts.

“I recruited a lot of these athletes because they had those skill sets and we’re trying to find some systems that lean into that,” Klaes said. “I think, in general, it might look a lot different.”

The defense will have the ability to switch looks, not just from a personnel perspective, but from a scheme standpoint.

“We have a nice combination of some fifth-years coming back and some freshmen coming in that are kind of pushing the agenda in our program right now,” Klaes said.

If the offense finds its stride, and the defense keeps teams off balance, the Dukes could be a threat in May.