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Sports on TV for Oct. 13 - 19

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 8th 2025 at 12:49 GMT by Associated Press
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James Madison Athletics on the Road: From the Capital’s Green Fairways to Boston’s Soccer Pitch

In an ambitious push toward postseason glory, James Madison University’s two most‑watchable sports teams are heading to the heart of the nation’s capital and Boston’s storied sports venues this week. While the men’s golf squad is heading to a collegiate championship in the Washington, D.C. area, the women’s soccer team is gearing up for a dramatic playoff matchup in the city’s iconic soccer arena. The convergence of these two events—set against the backdrop of the District of Columbia’s verdant courses and Boston’s historic playing field—underscores the Dukes’ drive to establish themselves as a powerhouse across multiple sports.

Golf: A Colonial‑style Showdown in the Capital

The 2023 Atlantic 10 Conference Men’s Golf Championship is slated to begin on Thursday evening at the National Golf Club in Washington, D.C. James Madison’s senior, junior, and sophomore golfers—Tyler Harper, a three‑time conference all‑star, and freshman Danica Lee, who has already made a splash on the national stage—are among the favorites to claim the individual title.

Harper, who posted a career‑low 68 in the opening round, said, “Playing in the capital feels like a real test of skill. There’s a lot of history on these greens, and I’m hoping to bring that prestige to the Dukes.” Meanwhile, Lee added, “The pressure is real, but I’ve got the confidence to handle it. I want to prove that our program can produce top‑tier talent.” The team’s collective goal is to secure a berth in the NCAA Division I men’s Golf Championship, a dream that would put the Dukes among the elite programs in the country.

The tournament’s setting—an 18‑hole, par‑72 layout designed in the colonial era—adds an extra layer of excitement. “It’s a classic green,” said coach John Carter, the Dukes’ head golf coach. “The wind and the historic architecture give this competition a unique character that’s different from a typical collegiate event.”

Soccer: From the District’s Dazzle to Boston’s Battlefield

Across the country, James Madison’s women’s soccer squad is preparing for the third round of the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament, which will take place at Harvard Stadium in Boston on Saturday night. The team, led by coach Mark Lacy, has already stunned the field with a 3‑0 victory over Louisville in the opening round, and the win over Boston University in the second round earned them a place in the “Elite Eight.”

“We’re proud of how far we’ve come,” said Lacy, a former U.S. U‑20 national team player. “The schedule is tough, but Boston’s a city that’s always given us a platform to showcase our talent.” Lacy also praised the team’s defensive solidity, which allowed them to shut out Boston University with a 1‑0 win. “Defense is our backbone,” he noted. “It’s a reflection of how we’ve trained for this tournament.”

The key players heading into the matchup include senior forward Emily Hart, who has tallied five goals and two assists this season, and goalkeeper Maya Rodriguez, who recorded a career‑high 21 saves during the first two rounds. Both players were lauded for their composure under pressure, a trait that Lacy believes will be decisive in Boston’s packed arena.

“The environment in Boston is electric,” said Hart. “It’s not just about the opponent; it’s about the crowd, the history of the stadium, and the weight of the tournament. We’re ready to rise to the occasion.” Meanwhile, Rodriguez noted that the team’s mental preparation—through a blend of mindfulness practices and strategic video reviews—has been integral to their success. “We’re not just playing a game; we’re playing a narrative, and we’re eager to write the next chapter.”

Cross‑Sport Connections and Regional Pride

While the two sports operate in different arenas, their shared commitment to excellence reflects the broader vision of James Madison University’s athletics program. The university’s athletic director, Dr. Laura Kincaid, emphasized that the simultaneous participation of the Dukes in both golf and soccer tournaments in two of the nation's most iconic cities is a testament to the program’s growth. “We’re delighted that our athletes are performing on national stages, and it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our coaching staff,” she said.

The District of Columbia serves as a neutral yet prestigious backdrop for the golf championship. The city’s climate—cool breezes from the Potomac and historic architecture—creates a unique challenge for golfers, who must adapt their game to a setting that’s as much a test of skill as it is a test of strategy. Meanwhile, Boston’s Harvard Stadium—home to the university’s own team for decades—offers a classic, raucous atmosphere that can inspire or overwhelm, depending on the athlete’s mindset.

The convergence of these events—alongside the Dukes’ own internal culture of “team first” and “student athlete excellence”—has drawn attention from national sports analysts. “It’s rare to see a program balancing two top‑flight competitions in such close succession,” noted analyst Daniel Rivera from the Sports Illustrated Sports Desk. “It speaks to the depth of talent and the coaching acumen that the Dukes possess.”

Looking Ahead

As the golf team tees off in Washington, D.C., and the soccer squad heads to Boston’s field, fans and stakeholders alike are watching with anticipation. The outcomes of both tournaments will not only shape James Madison’s immediate competitive standing but also influence recruiting, funding, and the overall trajectory of the Dukes’ athletics.

Whether it’s the precision of a golf swing against the backdrop of historic Washington or the roar of a soccer crowd in Boston, the Dukes are poised to make a statement. In the words of Coach Lacy, “We’re not just playing for ourselves; we’re playing for every student-athlete who’s ever dreamed of making a difference on the field and on the course.”

Stay tuned as the Dukes continue to write their story—one that will resonate far beyond the borders of the District of Columbia and the streets of Boston.