thanks to Bridgette Gale, Athletic Media Relations Assistant – Jacksonville University for this press release   JACKSONVILLE, Fla.— Inspired by honorary team captain Nick Hamel on the sidelines the Jacksonville women’s lacrosse team used a strong second half to top Furman 16-5 on Saturday afternoon. “We were so thrilled to have Nick here as our honorary team captain,” said Head Coach Mindy McCord. “Nick is one of the most positive and motivating individuals I have ever met. I am so honored that he has taken on to our team, following our success and keeping in touch with our players. He is an inspiration to us, because he gives his best everyday which makes us want to do our best.” Freshman Ashtyn Hiron came off the bench to lead the team with four goals, two ground balls and a caused turnover. Caitlin McMahon meanwhile was all over the field adding a goal, two ground balls, four draw controls and two caused turnovers from interceptions. Hannah Wilcox followed suit with a goal, three ground balls, four draw controls and two caused turnovers. “We had a lot of players come off the bench today and step up,” said coach McCord. “Caitlin and Hannah really helped us win the draws in the second half and Asia (Moore) was a beast with five saves on six shots in the second half.” Trailing 4-3 with seven minute left in the opening half, the Dolphins turned it on with four unanswered goals over the final 6:30 of the period. The momentum carried over into the second half which Jacksonville dominated owning a 9-1 advantage to win going away. “We play a full team defense, our top prerogative coming into the second half was anticipation,” said coach McCord. “Caitlin really took that goal to heart and read their hands on the passes and intercepted the big plays which generated the momentum and confidence for our team.” Danielle Della Rocca continued her scoring ways for the Dolphins as she scored the first goal just 35 seconds into the game off an assist from Brittney Orashen. Playing in their inaugural season, the Paladins proved a worthy advisory however as the two teams traded goals for the first 23 minutes. Furman eventually took the 4-3 lead on a free position man-up score. Hiron tied the game a minute later, before the Dolphins added three more goals from Jess Worcester and Sally Holbert in the final two minutes of the half to secure a 7-4 lead. Hiron, Holly Ventimiglia and Kelsey Wiglesworth all scored as part of a 4-0 run over the first seven minutes after halftime as Jacksonville continued its onslaught. Kelly Lacy, Hiron, Alyssa Lazaro and Kirstin Purdy all contributed goals as the Dolphins closed out the game on a 5-0 run. Jacksonville returns to D.B. Milne Field on Saturday, April 11 as they face Mercer on Senior Day at 1 p.m.   Bridgette Gale Athletic Media Relations Assistant Jacksonville University (o):(904)-256-7761 (c): (904)-599-0801