Jamison has early impact for GMU women's lacrosse

The early returns on Madalyn Jamison have been nothing but solid for the George Mason Uni-versity women’s lacrosse team. In her first game as a Patriot, the freshman midfielder tallied two goals, including the game winner with 2:39 left as George Mason upset No. 9 Johns Hopkins 11-10 Feb. 23.
For her efforts, Jamison was named Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week.
“I didn’t know until study hall,” said Jamison of receiving the honor. “I thought [my teammates] were joking because they had been teasing me. It’s cool to get it after the first game though, but I won’t let it go to my head.”
Only one other time have the Patriots defeated a team ranked higher then Johns Hopkins in the 15 year history of the women’s lacrosse program. George Mason defeated James Madison 7-6 in 2001. The Dukes were ranked sixth going into that contest. Getting a win over a highly ranked op-ponent in the season opener will only help the Patriots according to Jamison.
“It was really exciting,” said Jamison. “Considering we beat a highly ranked team in our first game, it gives us a lot of confidence.”
Jamison followed up her performance against Johns Hopkins with another two goal outing in the Patriots 14-7 loss to Georgetown Feb. 27, which gives Jamison four goals in her first two career games.
“I didn’t think I would even play,” said Jamison. “So, it’s definitely been cool.”
Jamison said the fall practices helped her transition because it gave her an opportunity to get used to the tougher competition.
“The defenders are more intense and more in your face,” said Jamison. “I found out I can’t do the things I did in high school.”
Patriots Coach Amy Bokker said the fact that Jamison is a freshman doesn’t add any surprise to her strong early play.
“Your year is not written on your jersey,” said Bokker. “She is a low attacker so she should be scoring goals. She is controlling the tempo and has good field vision.”
Jamison came to George Mason from Westminster High School in Finksburg, MD, where she was the captain of the lacrosse team as a senior. Jamison made the Carroll Country First-Team and MVAL Second-Team at midfield during her senior year, and made the Baltimore Sun First-Team as a junior.
Still, Jamison knew she was going to have to prove herself to her new teammates.
“You always have to try your hardest no matter what level you play at,” said Jamison. “As a freshman, you have to prove yourself over again and we are still trying to prove ourselves because we don’t have secured spots.”
Jamison’s early play is helping her new teammates on more then just the scoreboard. Her early goal-scoring prowess has given the Patriots an added goal scorer, a fact Bokker likes very much.
“It takes the pressure off our senior scorers that usually get more attention,” said Bokker. “It shows we have more scorers.”