BOX SCORE

Overtime Victory Concludes Flawless Conference Regular Season

by Nieja Jordan

LYNCHBURG, Va. – The Jacksonville women’s lacrosse team (8-8, 6-0) ended their regular season with a perfect conference record after an overtime victory against Liberty (6-11, 3-3). The Dolphins triumphed with a score of 12-11 in Virginia on Thursday evening. It was a fiercely competitive match, with multiple scoring runs, but the Dolphins’ top goal scorer, Mackenzie Boyle, secured the win by scoring the final goal in regulation to tie the game and then the only goal in overtime, sealing the victory for Jacksonville. 

SCORING LEADERS 

GOALS: Mackenzie Boyle (4), LaRen Blakesley (2), Hudson Gentile (2) 

GROUND BALLS: Maggie Cuddy (3), Mackenzie Boyle (2), Maggie Foster (2), Riley Dash (2) 

DRAW CONTROLS: Kaila Stasulli (7), Abby Moran (7) 

HOW IT HAPPENED 

To start their final conference game of the 2024 season, the Dolphins came out aggressive against the Liberty defense. With 14:46 remaining in the first quarter, Mackenzie Boyle, Jacksonville’s leading scorer, found the back of the net off an assist from Jenna Peed. Liberty responded with two quick goals, but the Dolphins’ attack unit, led by LaRen Blakesley and Ainsley Scruggs, fought back to tie the score at 3-2 with 6:32 left in the quarter. Liberty then surged ahead with a run that put Jacksonville behind 6-3, but Brigid Manning assisted an open Hudson Gentile to bring the Dolphins within two, ending the first quarter with a 6-4 scoreline. 

Liberty started the second quarter with a pair of goals to stretch their lead to 8-4 with 11:20 left. However, the Dolphins mounted a comeback, with sophomore Brigid Manning and Brianna Samuels connecting for a goal, reducing the deficit. Despite Liberty scoring again to make it 9-5, Jacksonville went on a 4-0 scoring spree, with Blakesley, Boyle, Gentile, and freshman Allyx Berry finding the net to tie the game at 9-9. With just over 12 minutes left in the third quarter, both teams continued to battle, ending the quarter tied at 10-10. 

Defense took center stage in the fourth quarter, with each team scoring just once. Liberty scored first, potentially taking control of the game, but with less than five minutes left, Boyle’s goal assisted by Gentile forced overtime. In the extra period, Boyle struck again, scoring the game-winner and securing the Dolphins’ victory, maintaining their undefeated record in the Atlantic Sun Conference. 

COACH’S COMMENTS 

“That game challenged us in many ways”, said Head Coach Tara Singleton. “We had to resolve some defensive issues and establish our rhythm on offense. Each possession was a battle, and I was thrilled to see the determination in our team today!” 

UP NEXT 

The Dolphins will host the 2024 ASUN Conference Tournament at The Rock, starting Wednesday, May 1 through Thursday, May 4. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES 

• Jacksonville had more shots on goal than Liberty. 
• The Dolphins dominated the draw control battle, winning 17-to-9. 
• The Dolphins converted 3-of-5 free position shots.