BOX SCORE

Dolphins Remain Undefeated In Conference Play

by Nieja Jordan

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville women’s lacrosse team (5-8, 3-0) secured another victory by defeating the Lindenwood Lions (10-3, 1-2) at The Rock on Saturday evening, marking their third conference win of the season. Despite trailing in the first quarter, the Dolphins took control in the remaining three quarters, scoring eight goals in the third quarter to earn a 20-6 victory. Seniors Brianna Samuels and Mackenzie Boyle, showcased their skill by combining for 10 goals, leading the team. 

 SCORING LEADERS 

GOALS: Brianna Samuels (5), Mackenzie Boyle (5), Ainsley Scruggs (2), Allyx Berry (2), Jenna Peed (2) 

GROUND BALLS: Maggie Cuddy (3), Kaila Stasulli (3), LaRen Blakesley (2), Tara Haas (2) 

DRAW CONTROLS: Lauren Ellis (6), Abby Moran (5), Kaila Stasulli (2), Maggie Cuddy (2) 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

The Lions’ aggressive offense managed to score twice early in the first quarter. However, the Dolphins quickly responded with a free position goal from graduate student Mackenzie Boyle just before the end of the quarter. 

The second quarter favored the Dolphins more, with Senior Brianna Samuels scoring to narrow the gap to 3-2. Although the Lions extended their lead to 4-2, it would be their last lead of the game. Brianna Samuels and Mackenzie Boyle’s scoring spree propelled the Dolphins to a 5-4 lead before halftime. 

Following halftime adjustments by head coach Tara Singleton, The Dolphins orchestrated a 5-0 run in the third quarter, resulting in an eight-point surge for JU. The home team swiftly took control, with Brianna Samuels assisting Allyx Berry for a goal just six seconds into the quarter, putting the green and white ahead 6-4. The momentum continued as Berry scored again on the next possession from a congested 12-meter position. The Dolphin defense then forced multiple stops, and a turnover caused by Brynn Hoffman led to another connection from Brianna Samuels to Mackenzie Boyle, extending the Dolphins’ lead to 8-4. Shortly after, Ainsley Scruggs joined the 3-0 run, increasing JU’s lead to 9-4 with 9:47 remaining in the quarter. Additional goals from LaRen Blakesley, Hudson Gentile, Brigid Manning, and Boyle, securing her fourth goal, propelled the Dolphins to a 13-6 advantage. 

The fourth quarter saw the Dolphins extend their lead further, outscoring the Lions 7-0. Jenna Peed scored twice for the Dolphins in the fourth, while Ainsley Scruggs, Maeve Brennan, Boyle and Samuels added to the cause late in the 14-point victory.

COACHES COMMENTS
“Today was a fantastic day from top to bottom,” said Tara Singleton. “To celebrate our seniors with a win in that fashion, there is nothing better.”

 UP NEXT 

The Dolphins will host Coastal Carolina on Thursday, April 18, with the game scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.