JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville University's volleyball team achieved its first Atlantic Sun win of the 2015 season Friday, defeating Kennesaw State in three sets.

"We definitely were a different team tonight," said Head Coach Julie Darty. "Not only in the fact that we have different bodies and more players on the floor, but our emotion and intensity was different as well. I love how intensely focused we were."

The first set had several huge runs by both teams. The Dolphins would lead 7-3, 16-10, and 20-13, but Kennesaw refused to go away quietly, pulling within one at 22-21 and again at 24-23. An Owl service error would give JU the first set 25-23. The second set was close throughout with 13 ties, but Jacksonville managed to close out the set 26-24 with back-to-back kills by Emily Laskelle. The pivotal set also had several ties and lead changes, but JU managed to take hold for good at 18-17, winning the third set 25-21 and the match 3-0.

Statistically the Dolphins were dominant across the board. Laskelle had 15 kills and a .406 hitting percentage, her highest of the season. Lauren Gresham and Ana Gabriella Nieto-Gomez both had 12 kills, with Gomez's .474 hitting percentage leading all scorers. Jizzyan Gesualdo had 41 assists, and Mayara Prestes had 22 digs. JU held Kennesaw to a .229 hitting percentage.

 "I'm so proud of the total team win and total team effort tonight," said Darty. "Kennesaw is a very talented team, and we went in with the mindset that they were going to push us and we had to battle. We really put ourselves out there and I'm super proud of that."

The Dolphins travel to USC Upstate Saturday, and then return to Jacksonville for their home opener next Friday against NJIT.

Fans can follow all the action from the 2015 season on JUDolphins.com, through twitter @JUVolleyball, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleUniversityAthletics.