via JU press release   JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University women’s lacrosse saw six different Dolphins find the back of the net against No. 15 Notre Dame, but ultimately fell to the visiting Irish, 17-6, Saturday afternoon at D.B. Milne Field. “We had a competitive first half; we worked our game plan and capitalized on that to a certain extent,” stated Head Coach Mindy McCord. “Going into the second half, I felt like Notre Dame really exploited our lack of mental focus and effort. We’ve got to be better at getting possession on the draw, and if not, we’ve got to secure the ground balls. You can’t lose those two statistical categories and be in a game.” Senior MacEllen McDonough (20:45), freshman Sarah Elms (13:53), and sophomore Genie Santarpio (12:56) brought the Dolphins (1-1) within one, 4-3, midway through the first half. A 5-0 run lasting the final 12:08 of the first half and through the 20:44 mark in the second surged Notre Dame ahead, 9-3. Jacksonville was unable to spark a comeback despite goals from senior Ashtyn Hiron (16:39), freshman Megan Prescott (5:55), and sophomore Kasey Stevens (2:17). Senior goalkeeper Emily Poelma had a day with 13 saves in the cage, with several from point-blank range. Added McCord, “Emily Poelma always stayed mentally focused and gave a lot of effort. She had some really great stops out there, especially in the end of the game when our mental focus was being lost. She really hung in there and kept it from being a larger deficit.” Nikki Ortega led Notre Dame with six points (3g, 3a), while keeper Samantha Giacolone finished with 11 saves. The Dolphins return to action next Friday, Feb. 23 when they play host to Ohio State to kick off the Moe’s Lacrosse Classic weekend at D.B. Milne Field. Opening draw is slated for 7 p.m.