Morris Hat Trick Propels Blue Devils Past JMU, 7-1

Sunday, September 11

Durham, N.C.

1:00 PM

Duke University

James Madison

Morris Hat Trick Propels Blue Devils Past JMU, 7-1

9/11/2016 4:07:00 PM | Field Hockey

FH vs. JMU: Heather Morris Postgame INT FH vs. JMU: Pam Bustin Postgame INT FH vs. JMU: Morris Scores 4 Goals Season Statistics Box Score

By: Duke Sports Information

DURHAM, N.C. – Senior forward Heather Morris tallied a career-high four goals to lead second-ranked Duke past James Madison, 7-1, Sunday at Williams Field at Jack Katz Stadium. With the win, the Blue Devils moved to 6-0 to match the 1978 and 2014 Duke squads for the best start in program history.

“Our challenge was to come out with the same kind of energy and same kind of focus that we had on Friday night,” said head coach Pam Bustin. “I think they did. And I think because we did, we were able to capitalize and play well. That's what we want to do is continue to play our brand of hockey and to be able to sustain it from half to half and day to day.”

Junior Ashley Kristen got Duke on the board on an early penalty corner opportunity, finishing with a touch on an Alyssa Chillano drag in the ninth minute. The Blue Devils remained on the attack, adding two quick goals by sophomore Rose Tynan and Morris to take a 3-0 lead midway through the period. Sophomore midfielder Christy Palazzese set up Tynan's score with a run up the right side and Caroline Andretta assisted on Morris' reverse on a breakaway.

Melissa Wilken of James Madison found an opening at the 22:08 mark, but Duke would tack on three more goals before the end of the period for a 6-1 halftime lead.

Morris punched in her second of the day on an Erin Scherrer assist and converted on a penalty stroke in the 25th minute. The senior captain from Pottstown, Pa., also went to her backhand for a top-shelf goal to register the third hat trick of her career.

“Heather's prepared for this,” Bustin said. “The team around her understands that we try to play to each other's strengths. Definitely for Heather, goal-scoring is a strength of hers. If we can get her the ball in the right place and she can work to be open, then that's going to hopefully be what happens.”

In the second half, James Madison generated a penalty corner but saw the ensuing shot get deflected away by the Blue Devil defense. Duke countered with a flurry of shots at the other end, where James Madison goalkeeper Sara Kraeutler made several stops to keep the match at 6-1.

Senior Robin Blazing tapped in a cross from Scherrer inside the final eight minutes to account for the final score.

Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Sammi Steele anchored a defense that surrendered just the one goal and seven shots on the afternoon. Senior Kelsey Wagner also shared time in the cage.

“We wanted to keep our defense very structured, disciplined from the top, from the forward line, all the way back to the goalkeeper,” Bustin said. “They did a great job of that. Because of that we were able to create some great scoring and attack opportunities.”

The Blue Devils hit the road next weekend, traveling to Louisville Friday for a 6 p.m. ACC matchup before heading to Oxford, Ohio to take on Miami Sunday at 1 p.m.

--- NOTES ---

- With her four-goal performance, senior Heather Morris tied for third on the program's single-game goals list. She notched Duke's first four-goal game since Amie Survilla had four tallies against New Hampshire Sept. 27, 2009.

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