App State softball dropped its series opener against James Madison, 2-0.

Sejal Neas pitched five scoreless innings with only two hits and one walk before the Dukes struck first with two runs in the bottom of the sixth. In a stretch that lasted from the first inning to the fourth, Neas retired 10 straight. The sophomore finished with four strikeouts in 5.1 innings.

Houston and Thorp each punched singles in the top of the first, but the Mountaineers were not able to bring a runner home.

Emily Parrott showed grit in the final stretch of the game, making a diving catch to prevent a third run by the Dukes in the bottom of the sixth. With two outs in the top of the seventh, the senior hit a line drive up the middle in what would be App State’s final hit.

Delani Buckner relieved the last two batters, retiring both with one strikeout.