JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville University women's basketball team has six freshmen and a pair of redshirt-juniors suiting up in their first season. More than half of the Dolphins' roster have never played in a postseason contest.  They were not here to experience Jacksonville's heart-wrenching quarterfinal loss last year but those who were remember it as if it were yesterday.

Walking off their home court after falling to the No. 5 seed Mercer, JU's returners made a vow that this season would be different. On Friday night, the Dolphins sought retribution and despite Kennesaw State's 16-1 run to close the game, Jacksonville held on for the 55-54 success.

In the victory, the Dolphins advance to the Atlantic Sun semifinals where they will take on the league's top-seed in Florida Gulf Coast.

 "We were in this same position last year and it was imperative that I let the newcomers know what happened," said junior forward Briona Brown. "I didn't want to leave with us thinking we could get it again next year. We have to live in the moment and what's important is what's in front of us. We needed to get this win tonight and now this game is behind us.  It's on to the next one in Florida Gulf Coast."

Brown led all scorers on the night with 20 points while the conference's Freshman of the Year, Kayla Gordon, recorded her fifth double-double of the season on 16 rebounds and 10 points. Rounding out the Dolphins in double figures, Sherranda Reddick posted 10 points with seven rebounds.

"Defense," said Head Coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin. "Every time we've gotten a win it was because we stuck to our identity. We've played defense. Kennesaw is a tough team and it's not an easy feat to beat a team three times, especially a team like KSU that has 17 wins."

Jacksonville trailed by two, 29-27, after a tightly contested first half. The Owls opened the second frame with the ball but quickly had it taken away on a Kimberly Dawkins steal. Brandi Buie then trekked down court, draining a midrange jumper for the first and only tie of the ballgame. For the next 10 minutes, the game completely fell in JU's favor.

With 8:05 on the clock, Jenny Vernet's layup provided the Fins with a 15-point cushion, their largest lead at 54-37. On the next possession, the game came to a complete stop.

Jasmine McAllister grabbed the offensive rebound on a missed layup, proceeded to attempt another shot but had it rejected by Loliya Briggs. On the fall, Briggs fell to the floor with an injury that halted the game for nearly five minutes and sidelined her for the remainder of the game.

After the break in play, the Owls held JU scoreless for more than six minutes and went on a 16-0 run. Reddick ended the Dolphins' scoring drought on a made free throw to give the team a two-point lead, 55-53, with 51 seconds on the clock.

Twenty-seven seconds remained when Kristina Wells knocked down one of two free throws and after JU missed on the frontend of a one-and-one, KSU held the ball for the final shot that caught rim and missed at the buzzer.

"The momentum shifted once Loliya got hurt," continued McCuin. "I felt like we were really about to pull away from them but nevertheless we found a way. We didn't want to come at the end of the game and talk about what we could have done. We wanted to leave it on the floor and be the best version of ourselves. Look at the irony, Loliya got a monstrous block and then got hurt but she left it on the floor. That's what it is about, giving 100 percent, 100 percent of the time."

"We appreciate the opportunity to play a team like Gulf Coast. I think they are well-coached, play well and have a winning culture. We're excited for the opportunity to go down there and give it our all. If we can do that, regardless of the outcome, we can be proud."

Jacksonville moves on to face No. 1 seed FGCU at Alico Arena in Fort Myers, on Wednesday, March 11, at 7 p.m. on ESPN3. The Eagles defeated No. 8 North Florida 74-35 in their quarterfinal matchup.