TOWSON, Md. – Sophomore Tashani Dickson made several key saves but it was not enough as the Towson University field hockey team fell to James Madison, 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. The Dukes (6-3, 1-1 Colonial Athletic Association) used a penalty stroke to defeat the Tigers in their CAA opener.

“I'm pleased with the effort we showed today,” said Towson coach Michelle Webber. “I thought Tashani and our defense really stepped up and made some big stops. We played aggressive and had some chances but fell just short unfortunately.”

The first half proved to be a back and forth battle with the Tigers (0-9, 0-1 CAA) pressuring the ball into the James Madison end of multiple occasions. Junior Caitie Barnwell had a shot on goal late in the first half but Dukes' goalkeeper Lena Wimmert was able to get a pad on the ball and made the stop.

Both teams took three shots in the first half while James Madison had three of the half's four penalty corners.

Dickson came up with several key saves in the second half for the Tigers including a kick save on a direct shot from James Madison's Taylor West. The Dukes were awarded a penalty stroke at 49:06 which West converted to give the visitors' a 1-0 advantage. The Tiger defense came up big following the stroke as the Tigers were playing two players down for two minutes following a pair of green cards, however James Madison got only one shot off during that stretch.

The stroke by West proved to be the game's only goal as Wimmert was able to make a save on shot from freshman Heather Jenney late in the second half.

Wimmert made a pair of saves to earn the win in goal for James Madison. Dickson finished with five saves in the loss for the Tigers.

James Madison out shot the Tigers 7-1 in the second half and finished the game with a 10-4 advantage in that category. The Dukes recorded eight of the game's 10 penalty corners.

Towson returns to action on Friday, Sept. 28 when it hosts No. 28 Drexel at 6 p.m.