thanks to Bridgette Gale, Athletic Media Relations Assistant – Jacksonville University for this press release   JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With an eye on “getting back to our team,” the Jacksonville University men’s lacrosse contingent heads to Colorado this weekend for a 4 p.m. (EDT) game against future Southern Conference opponent Air Force Academy. The Dolphins (4-3, 1-1 in conference) are coming off a stinging 17-8 loss to Richmond as they head to AFA, on the east side of the Rampart Range of the Rocky Mountains (just north of Colorado Springs), about 7,300 feet above sea level. “We didn’t recognize the team that played last weekend,” coach Guy Van Arsdale said. “It was so disappointing that we came out and played the way we did, or played the way we didn’t. It was a little frustrating.” Van Arsdale said based on practice this week, he believes the team may have learned from the Richmond loss. “The good news is that it’s not just the coaches who were frustrated, I think the players realize there were some approach things that week in preparation that need to be handled different,” he said. “We didn’t handle our Spring Break well and we need to do a better a job of how we prepare ourselves. I feel like we are heading back in the right direction. Are we where we want to be? Not necessarily, but we are heading back to where we want to go.” The Falcons, who join the SoCon next season, are 4-5 thus far are known for their toughness at home and are led by freshman attacker Chris Walshe who has 29 points (21 goals, eight assists). The Dolphins respond with the one-two punch of Tom Moore who leads the team with 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) and Chase McIntyre who has 14 goals. “They play hard all the time and offensively do different things with a lot of motion to test you, so that will be a nice test,” Van Arsdale said. “And, obviously, they compete. They are tough, tough competitors. And, at home, they’re really tough when you play them out there in the Rockies. We’ll have our hands full.” Despite traveling a couple of time zones and playing in the mountains, Van Arsdale said he doesn’t believe the elevation will determine a game winner. “You have to be aware of it but I don’t think it’s as difficult as people make it out to be,” he said. “The main thing is hydration. You become so dehydrated because of the lack of humidity that you have to make that adjustment. Certainly, the air is thinner and you have to be aware of what you’re doing, but for a 60 minute game and guys who are fit like our guys are it won’t be a reason as to why you win or lose. It won’t be a deciding factor.” Goal keeper Ben Gleichenhaus, the only player on the JU roster from Colorado, concurs with the coach’s assessment. “The humidity (in Florida) is worse,” he said. “If you are in good enough shape, altitude doesn’t do that much to you. You have to make sure you hydrate before you get there.” Has he been schooling teammates on the hydration? “Everybody knows that,” he said. “But the humidity tires you out a lot more.”   Bridgette Gale Athletic Media Relations Assistant Jacksonville University (o):(904)-256-7761 (c): (904)-599-0801