via JU press release, by Marty LaFica, photo by KJ Jugar

BOX SCORE

LYNCHBURG, VA – Jacksonville Women’s Lacrosse clinched the ASUN Regular Season Championship and one seed in the conference tournament on Saturday afternoon when they defeated Liberty by a score of 20-7.

Starting in the first quarter the Dolphins came out slower than usual and would find themselves in unfamiliar territory, losing by a score of 5-2 heading into the second. That is when JU flipped a switch, going on a 10-0 run stretching from the beginning of the second quarter into the third.

While on the run Jenny Kinsey and Sarah Elms would both combine for five goals with Kinsey supplying a hat trick and Elms adding two. Also, Paige Pagano was nearly unbeatable on the run making eight saves until Liberty finally found the back of the net at 7:11 in the third quarter moving the score to 12-6 in favor of JU.

Following another goal from Liberty and three from the ‘Phins, the score would read 15-7 heading into the final frame. Jacksonville would then keep their foot on the gas holding the Flames to zero goals in the quarter while also adding five to their total, and after 60 minutes the score would read a lopsided 20-7.

With the win Jacksonville effectively secured the ASUN Regular Season Championship and tournament one seed for the fourth year in a row, and eighth all time since joining the conference in 2013. The win also marked JU’s 11th of the season and eighth in a row.

Offensively, the Dolphins were led by none other than the duo of Jenny Kinsey and Sarah Elms who combined for yet another impressive total of 15 points (10G-5A). Also, Grace Hobson added a hat trick in the match moving her season goals total to 17, a career best.

Defensively JU was led by Goalkeeper Paige Pagano who made a total of 13 saves in the match while also recording a save percentage of .650. Hailey Blachly was also impressive recording three caused turnovers and three ground balls on the defensive end of the field.

UP NEXT

The Dolphins will stay on the road for their next and final game of the regular season when they travel to Gainesville on Wednesday, April 27, to take on the Florida Gators at 6:30 pm.

GAME NOTES

• JU win’s ASUN Regular Season Championship for fourth year in a row, eighth all time.
• Dolphins achieve perfect 5-0 in conference play while also moving overall record to 11-3.
• Pagano ties season high for saves in a game with 13.
• Kinsey and Elms combine for 15 points.