University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Southern Miss Falls to James Madison in Sun Belt Opener
9/18/2026 7:09:00 PM | Women's Soccer
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Southern Miss soccer (3-3-2, 0-1 SBC) opened Sun Belt Conference play Friday afternoon with a 5-0 setback against James Madison (3-4-1, 1-0 SBC) at Marshall Bell Track & Field/Soccer Complex. The result snapped a four-match unbeaten stretch for the Golden Eagles and marked their first conference contest under Coach Danny Owens.
Southern Miss was active in the attacking third from the opening whistle, generating four shots during the first 15 minutes. Ava Bynes produced a pair of early chances, while Olivia Tribolet and Vail Wartes also tested the JMU defense before the Dukes opened the scoring in the 15th minute on a goal from Ginny Lackey.
The Golden Eagles continued to create opportunities after falling behind. Tribolet put Southern Miss' first attempt on frame in the 25th minute, forcing a save from Sofia DeCerb, while Argentina Estrada added another chance late in the half. James Madison doubled its advantage in the 42nd minute when Holly Minshull scored to send the Dukes into the break with a 2-0 lead. Southern Miss finished the opening 45 minutes with six shots, staying within three attempts of JMU's nine.
Southern Miss earned a corner just over a minute into the second half, but James Madison answered shortly after with Samantha DeGuzman's goal in the 47th minute. Audrey Orrock added another in the 64th before Ellie Farrell converted a penalty in the 85th to close the scoring.
The Golden Eagles continued to push for a response throughout the second half. Bynes registered another attempt in the 51st minute, Lorilee Taylor went wide in the 74th and Alessia Navarro forced a save one minute later. Avery Aldrette added Southern Miss' final opportunity in the closing minutes. Seven different Golden Eagles recorded a shot as Southern Miss finished with 10 attempts on the afternoon.
Bynes led Southern Miss with three shots, while Tribolet finished with two and put one on goal. Navarro recorded the Golden Eagles' other shot on target, and Logan McGruder made three saves in goal. James Madison held a 14-10 advantage in total shots and an 8-2 edge in shots on goal.
Friday's result closes a four-match stretch in which Southern Miss went 2-0-2, including consecutive victories over Southern and Nicholls. The Golden Eagles now turn their attention to the road for their second Sun Belt match of the season.
Up Next
Southern Miss travels to Jonesboro, Ark., to face Arkansas State on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m. CT at A-State Soccer Complex.
For more information and to stay up to date with the Golden Eagles, visit SouthernMiss.com and follow Southern Miss soccer on Twitter (@SouthernMissSOC) and Instagram (@southernmisssoccer).
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