James Madison University's women's basketball team started off their 2023-24 season with an impressive victory over Eastern Mennonite, winning 104-31. The Dukes, who are the reigning Sun Belt Conference champions, showed no signs of slowing down as they dominated their Division III opponent. Jamia Hazell led the way for JMU with 17 points and seven rebounds in just 18 minutes of play. Ksyusha Kozlova and Jeriyah Osborne also contributed double-digit points for the Dukes.

It was a complete team effort for James Madison, as they outrebounded Eastern Mennonite 71-23 and held them to a mere 19 percent shooting from the field. Head coach Sean O'Regan praised his team's rebounding effort and defensive intensity, crediting their dominating performance to their hard work and teamwork.

With their season off to a strong start, the Dukes will look to build on their success and defend their Sun Belt Conference title. James Madison was picked to finish first in the conference's preseason coaches poll, receiving nine first-place votes. The team will rely on their experienced players, such as Hazell and Kozlova, as well as new additions like Ashanti Barnes, to continue their dominance in the Sun Belt Conference and make another run in the NCAA Tournament.