via JU press release/website, by Nieja Jordan

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – For the second round of the 2024 ASUN Championship, the one-seeded Dolphins are set to face Coastal Carolina, defeating the Chanticleers in the regular season on April 18 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Chanticleers will revisit The Rock in Jacksonville as The Dolphins host this year’s Atlantic Sun Championship game. The game is set for Saturday, May 4 at 1 p.m.  
 
LAST TIME OUT  
The Jacksonville women’s lacrosse team (9-8, 6-0) successfully pulled off a fourth quarter four-goal comeback victory against Liberty (6-12, 3-3). The Dolphins triumphed with a score of 10-9 in a highly competitive battle that consisted of seven lead changes. It was a game of intense defense, with multiple forced and unforced turnovers on both teams. Through the tough battle, The Dolphins ended on a 4-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter tied the game and took a 10-9 lead with just seconds left in regulation. Virginia native Lauren Ellis was responsible for the game winning goal.    

Jacksonville (8-8, 6-0 ASUN) 
The Dolphins have found a pathway to success after a 2-6 start, winning seven of their eight last games, including five straight games in conference play. In April alone, the Dolphins had 68 goals, 92 points, 76 ground balls, and 75 draw controls. They lead the ASUN in shot percentage and are looking to pose a threat for the 2024 ASUN tournament championship.

Coastal Carolina (13-5, 5-1 ASUN) 
Coastal Carolina has had a respectable season this year, only taking two large losses so far. After a 1-3 start to the year the Chanticleers found newly established momentum going 12-2 for the remainder of their regular season. Big wins include a 12-11 overtime win over Binghamton. Coastal Carolina is fourth in the ASUN in goals per game, third in points per game, and second in assists per game.

Players to Watch  
Jacksonville – Kaila Stasulli is the cornerstone of the Dolphins’ defensive unit and a constant force on the draw.  She consistently marks the opponent’s top scorer, significantly limiting or negating their opportunities. She leads the team in groundballs and is a critical piece of JU’s draw unit, ranking 2nd on the team in draw controls as part of a unit that ranks 11th in the country for draw control percentage. Lauren Ellis is the Dolphins’ strongest two-way midfielder. She ranks 2nd on the team in groundballs and 3rd in draw controls. She also plays key roles in the Dolphins’ women-up offense and situational play. 
 
Maggie Cuddy is a matchup defender with a knack for causing a turnover. She leads the Dolphins in that stat line and ranks 6th in the ASUN. Abby Moran is the Dolphins draw specialist leading the team in draw controls, ranking 2nd in the ASUN and 16th nationally. Brianna Samuels, the lone returning starting attacker from the 2023 season, consistently draws the opposing team’s top defenders. She is 2nd for the Dolphins in points and has scored two or more points in the majority of JU’s conference games, including an 8-point performance against Lindenwood.  
 
Coastal Carolina – Sydney McClure, a Fist Team All-ASUN attacker who leads Coastal Carolina in goals, assists, points, and shots is a weapon for the Chanticleers. Maddie Bates is the Chants second leading scorer with 34 goals, just six away McClure. Senior Avery McIlwaine who ASUN awarded Midfielder of the Year, after recording 29 goals. Midfielder Evelyn Kitchin who was named Freshman of the Year, finished the regular season with 10 goals, two ground balls, five caused turnovers and a CCU single season record 73 draw controls. Defensively, Lily Wallace and Sydney Tornette are the bunch of the Chanticleers force, leading the team in caused turnovers. 

In goal for Coastal Carolina is Charlotte Sadler who has recorded 149 saves, leads the ASUN in saves per game averaging 8.30. The Junior set a season high of 15 saves against Liberty on April 4. 

Championship Central 
Bracket 
Ticket