via JU press release   GREENVILLE, S.C. – In its first road game in over a month, Jacksonville University women’s lacrosse proved it can dominate opponents at home or away as the Dolphins rolled past Furman, 19-7, Thursday evening at Paladin Stadium. “We came out tonight and played a strong up-tempo game,” stated Associate Head Coach Paul McCord. “I’m very proud of our defensive effort, allowing just nine clears and forcing 21 turnovers in a time-shortened game. I would like to see us improve our lax IQ more, but overall we have to look at the 16 first half goals very positively. I felt that Furman didn’t give up; they played a hard second half and showed character and toughness.” The Dolphins (6-3) held the Paladins (1-8) to just six shots in the first half – and 11 total – while pressuring the hosts on the ride as Furman completed just 9 of 20 clears. Highlighted by five goals from senior captain and reigning ASUN Conference Player of the Week Ashtyn Hiron, the Dolphins tallied 16 of their 19 goals in the first half. Perhaps the most impressive of Hiron’s five goals came at the 20:57 mark, as the Perth, Western Australia native caught a pass from junior Olivia Alvarez, rolled off three defenders on her right, and finished a behind-the-back shot top shelf to put Jacksonville ahead, 5-2.   Highlights from Thursday Night! from JULacrosse on Vimeo.   “When Ashtyn gets moving like that, she’s hard to stop,” added McCord. A 7-0 Dolphin run closed out the first half to give JU a 16-4 lead at the break. Noting Jacksonville’s 38-11 advantage in shots, McCord stated, “The shot count was low. We challenged our goalie at halftime and she found a good groove in the second half. She was disruptive in many ways and this truly was her first game back from injury. In the second half we took a lot of air out of the ball and between playing deep shot clock defense and deep shot clock offense, we lost a ton of mojo.” Both teams totaled three goals apiece in the second half as the Dolphins rolled to their fourth win in five games. Keeper Emily Poelma finished the day with three saves between the pipes and improves to 3-2 on the year. Hiron finished the day with five goals and an assist, along with five draw controls, three ground balls, and three caused turnovers. Freshmen Alyssa Arnold (1 goal, 2 assists) and Sarah Elms (1g, 2a) posted three points each, while juniors Erin McGuire and Lillie Miller and freshmen Jenny Kinsey and Megan Prescott all added two goals each. Furman’s Abby Shields led the hosts with three points (1g, 2a), while goalies Maggie Friel and Courtney Baker combined for 12 saves in cage. The Dolphins return to action this Saturday, March 31 at Wofford; opening draw is set for 1 p.m.