James Madison celebrated their move to DI with their first DI victory, defeating Virginia Tech 31-18 Friday night.

The victory followed up a humbling loss to South Carolina last week.

"Last week was one of the worst games we've played," said JMU head Coach Mark Lambourne. "But they played a lot better this game."

Lambourne said JMU could have scored more, but turned the ball over four times close to the Virginia Tech line. Wing Matt Narzikul had a big game on the wing for JMU and scored two tries, while freshman flyhalf Federico Meersohn showed well. JMU won despite losing All American Mo Katz to injury in the opening minutes, and then seeing Gabe Harrison go off injured moments later.

"They rallied and still played well," said Lambourne.

JMU opens up their Keystone Conference schedule in two weeks when they host Millersville. Virginia Tech opens up their ACRL season in two weeks at North Carolina.