LOS ANGELES – The Jacksonville University women's lacrosse team capped a weekend trip to the West Coast with a clash against No. 24 Southern California, and although the Dolphins produced a solid defensive effort, the Trojans held off JU, 15-10, at McAlister Field.

"Our shooting this trip has been rough and we have to build chemistry. We outshot our opponents on this trip, 67-61, and lost; that's hard to swallow," stated head coach Mindy McCord. "Freshman defender Beth Cornelius was awesome against some of the best attack in the country in her first start."

For her part, Cornelius caused a pair of Trojan turnovers and picked up a ground ball, while freshman goalie Dayna Martinetto added 10 saves, including seven in the first half, as the pair led the Dolphins defensively.

With three goals in 2:19, from sophomore Lauren Phillips (16:38), sophomore Jenny Kinsey (15:09), and junior McKenna Rushford (14:19), Jacksonville erased a two goal deficit to gain a 4-3 advantage halfway through the first 30 minutes. The Trojans returned fire with a 3-0 run of their own, but the Dolphins found an answer to curb USC's chances as the hosts managed a slim 6-5 advantage heading into halftime.

The Dolphins quickly tied the game up at 6 as junior Kasey Stevens converted from the eight-meter line just 1:42 into the second. However, USC recorded eight of the next nine goals to hold the Dolphins at bay with a 14-7 lead with 11:11 to go.

Another three-goal run brought the Dolphins within four, 14-10, as Rushford completed her hat trick with goals at 9:44 and 9:11, while Phillips capitalized on a pass from senior Erin McGuire with 6:44 on the clock for her own hat trick to close out the Dolphins scoring. McGuire finished the day with a game-high four assists, while Rushford posted a four-point performance (3 goals, 1 assist). Phillips (3g) and Kinsey (1g, 2a) also had multiple points on the day.

Jacksonville returns to Duval for a three-game home stand beginning Friday, March 1 as Fresno State makes the trip east. Opening draw at D.B. Milne Field is set for 6 p.m.