Wolfpack Tops JMU for First Season-Opening Win Since 2022

Wednesday, August 12

Harrisonburg, Va.

7 PM

NC State

1-0-0, 0-0-0

James Madison

0-1-0, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
NC State	1	2	3
James Madison	1	0	1

Jade Bordeleau scores in NC State's win over James Madison

Wolfpack Tops JMU for First Season-Opening Win Since 2022

8/12/2026 9:39:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

HARRISONBURG, Va. - NC State women's soccer opened the 2026 season with a 3-1 victory over James Madison on Wednesday evening at Sentara Park, powered by a brace from senior Jade Bordeleau and the first career goal from fifth year Alex Mohr. The victory marked the Wolfpack's first season-opening win since 2022 and avenged a 3-0 loss to the Dukes in last season's opener. It also marked NC State's first road season-opening victory since 2018.

Bordeleau opened the scoring in the 10th minute with her first goal of the season. After intercepting a James Madison pass, the senior created space in the middle of the box and found the back of the net to give the Wolfpack an early lead.

The advantage lasted just 22 seconds, as Ginny Lackey equalized for the Dukes. NC State continued to create chances throughout the remainder of the half, finishing the opening 45 minutes with eight shots, but the teams entered halftime tied at 1-1.

The Wolfpack continued to pressure after the break, taking four shots before Mohr broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Mohr found the back of the net from inside the box off a corner kick for the first goal of her collegiate career.

James Madison's best chance to respond came shortly after the Mohr goal, when Lackey sent a long ball from midfield toward goal that went just wide.

NC State added an insurance goal in the 78th minute when Bordeleau found the back of the net for the second time, completing her first brace of the season and giving the Wolfpack a 3-1 advantage. The score held through the final 12 minutes as NC State secured its first season-opening victory since 2022.

Of Note:

Bordeleau scored the first two goals of her 2026 campaign and the 17th and 18th goals of her career. She is coming off a 10-goal season, the most by a Wolfpack player in a single season since 2019.
Bordeleau scored in a season opener for the second time in her career, previously finding the net in NC State's 1-1 draw against Utah to open the 2023 season. Her first goal Wednesday marked the Wolfpack's first in a season opener since that match.
Bordeleau's brace was the fourth multi-goal game of her career.
Mohr scored the first goal of her collegiate career.
Freshmen Katie Richter and Amor Leigh Martin Esteban made their first collegiate starts, while Madison Casteen, Mackenzie Harris and Riley Pickels made their collegiate debuts off the bench. Ellie Breech also made her first appearance for the Wolfpack in goal.
Richter led NC State with six shots in her collegiate debut, putting three on frame.
Erica Roberts had a strong debut on the attack with four shots, including one on goal.
NC State outshot James Madison, 18-4, and held a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks. One of the Wolfpack's three goals came off a corner kick.
Seven Wolfpack players played all 90 minutes: Yuna Aoki, Mohr, Mana Nakata, Bordeleau, Emily Wong, Mary Frances Symmes and Richter.
The victory marked Gary Higgins' sixth win as NC State's head coach and the 116th of his coaching career.
NC State earned its third all-time win over James Madison and its first since 2001, taking a 3-2 lead in the all-time series.
The Wolfpack's victory was its first season-opening win away from Dail Soccer Stadium since 2018.

Up Next
NC State returns to Virginia on Sunday, Aug. 16, to face VCU at VCU Athletic Village in Richmond. First touch is set for 1 p.m., with the contest streaming live on ESPN+.