Senior goalkeeper Andy Hicks led a strong defensive effort with 10 saves as fourth-seeded and host Towson University defeated defending Colonial Athletic Association champion James Madison, 3-0, in the first round of the CAA men's soccer tournament yesterday.

By eliminating the fifth-seeded Dukes (8-10-3), the Tigers (10-7-2) advanced to the CAA semifinals at 5 p.m. on Friday against top-seeded Virginia Commonwealth in Virginia Beach, Va. The Rams, who beat the Tigers last week, 3-0, are ranked 20th in Division I.

Hicks set a Towson single-season record with his eighth of the season.

Ade Elliott, Steve Fell and Randy Tolson scored for the Tigers, all in the first half.

Towson had a 25-17 edge in shots over the Dukes, who were playing their third road game in five days.

Goals: T-Elliott, Fell, Tolson. T-Fell, Tolson, Millwood. Saves: JM: Kovolenko 10; M-Hicks 10.