via JU press release/website, by Nieja Jordan

BOX SCORE

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University women’s lacrosse team (2-4) defeated Gardner-Webb (0-5) in a convincing 21-4 win at The Rock Saturday. 

STAT LEADERS  

GOALS – Ainsley Scruggs (4) Jenna Peed (3) Mackenzie Boyle (2) Jessica Giller (2) Brigid Manning (2) 

GROUND BALLS – Kaili Stasulli (2) 

DRAW CONTROLS – Abby Moran (11) Lauren Ellis (4) 

HOW IT HAPPENED  

The Dolphins cruised through every minute of the game, notching 11 goals by halftime, which prompted a running clock for the remainder of the evening. 

Within the initial 5:52 of play, JU established a commanding 3-0 lead courtesy of goals from Lauren Ellis, Brigid Manning, and Brianna Samuels. The Dolphins maintained their offensive production, continuing to score quickly, capping off the first quarter with a long distance goal by Ainsley Scruggs. 

While the Gardner-Webb defense managed to withstand a Dolphin surge for six minutes in the second quarter, JU eventually rattled off seven unanswered goals to seize control of the contest. Ainsley Scruggs kickstarted the offense once again with an assist to a streaking LaRen Blakesley, reigniting the home team’s offensive rhythm. Less than 30 seconds later, Dolphins’ freshman Maddie Herman found the back of the net with a speedy spin move and finish to extend the lead to 6-0 with nine minutes remaining in the half. Scruggs then tallied two more goals, while Jenna Peed and Jessica Giller also contributed to the Dolphin total. However, Gardner-Webb managed to sneak in a goal before halftime, resulting in an 11-1 lead for the Dolphins heading into the locker room. 

Following halftime, JU showed no signs of slowing down, adding two more goals courtesy of Boyle and Giller, a two-on-one fast break saw Peed pass to Boyle and Boyle back to Peed, who converted for the Dolphins’ largest lead yet at 14-1, securing her third goal of the game. Several other Dolphins joined the scoring spree as JU closed out the night, adding seven more goals. Maeve Brennan, Allyx Berry, and Gabby Hendricks each found the back of the net in the fourth quarter, further extending the Dolphins’ dominance over a Gardner-Webb defense that struggled to contain them throughout the match. 

COACHES COMMENTS
“I’m really happy for our squad,” said Head Coach Tara Singleton. “The ability to bounce back after a challenging midweek game, invest in each other, make improvements, and earn a win this weekend says a lot about our group!”

UP NEXT  

The Dolphins will stay home next weekend to host Navy Saturday, March 9. The opening face-off is set to begin at 12 p.m. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES  

• Abby Moran had 11 draw controls 
• Paige Pagano finished with four saves in the game.