JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—The Jacksonville University Dolphins fell in their season opener to No. 4 Florida, 17-8, on Wednesday evening at D.B. Milne Field.

"We give credit to Florida, they really owned the draw," said assistant coach Paul McCord. "We need to be stout on the draw and more stout between the pipes and if we can fix those type of things we can have an opportunity to compete at that level."

The Dolphins held UF for 10 minutes without a score to open the game before Florida went on a 3-0 run. Hannah Wilcox ended the run with JU's first score of the game, which was assisted by Rachel Aus. Wilcox collected her second goal of the game off a free position shot with 13:42 left in the first half, putting Jacksonville within two.

Florida put up three goals stretching the lead to five, which was the largest lead in the first half. Danielle Della Rocca ended the three goal run with an unassisted goal with roughly 6 minutes left to play. A free position shot from UF and JU were the only scores made in the remaining minutes, putting the score at 8-4 at the half.

After the half, Jacksonville was off to a quick start making the first goal with less than two minutes off the clock.  Though that didn't slow Florida down as they countered back going on a 7-0 run. Jess Worcester and Della Rocca with three goals together tried to force a comeback, but there wasn't enough time left in the game.

Della Rocca was the top scorer for the Dolphins scoring the first of three goals in the first half, shooting 50 percent on the evening. Along with Worcester who shot two for four. Both of Worcester's goals came in the second half.  Wilcox (2), and Holly Ventimiglia also scored in the game.

"I really think we found our niche with working together because in the beginning we were working independently," said sophomore attacker, Della Rocca. "We were able to make things happen, it may have been a little too late, but we were able to get it working again."

Jacksonville lead Florida in both ground balls by period (20-14) and in clears by period (13-13) and forced 17 turnovers in the game.

The Dolphins face Central Connecticut State on Saturday, February 14 at Noon at D.B. Milne Field.