Box Score COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – In spite of a crippling defensive effort in the second half, the Jacksonville University men's lacrosse team was unable to overcome a strong first half by Air Force in a 14-7 decision, Saturday afternoon at Falcon Stadium.
 
"I wish I had something specific to point to in response to today's outcome. We were beat in every facet of the game by a more athletic and talented team. My concern is not with the outcome, but our response," stated head coach John Galloway following the game.
 
"If we want to talk about being champions, we have to live that every day of our lives, not just on Saturdays. This game will serve as a lesson in humility and a reminder of the work we need to put in starting Monday if we have serious dreams about playing in May."
 
Down 3-0 early in the first quarter, the Dolphins answered with back-to-back goals from freshman Bo BowHunter on assists from redshirt-junior and captain Evan Tyler (5:39) and freshman Brendan McKenna (3:34) to make it a one-goal contest.
 
With the final two goals of the quarter, Air Force carried that momentum into the second with a three-straight to extend its lead to 8-2 with 12:10 left in the half. Jacksonville's leading scorer, sophomore Jack Dolan posted his first of the game – an unassisted tally at 10:54 to curb the Falcons' 5-0 run. However, it was short-lived as AFA tacked on four more goals before the end of the half.
 
Dolan had a hand in Jacksonville's next two goals – an assist to Tyler on the extra-man opportunity (3:11) and his second goal of the day (1:32) – as the Dolphins shouldered a 12-5 deficit at the intermission.
 
Jacksonville's defense found its footing in the higher altitude and held the hosts scoreless through nearly 22 minutes in the second half (21:48) and junior goalie Hunter Sells posted six of his 14 saves during that span.
 
Senior captain Eric Applegate recorded the only goal of the third, with 45 seconds remaining, before he dished a pass to BowHunter 1:41 into the fourth to close out the Dolphins' offensive efforts. BowHunter (3 goals) and Dolan (2 goals, 1 assist) finished the day with a team-high three points each, while Applegate (1g, 1a) and Tyler (1g, 1a) recorded two points apiece.
 
With two more goals in the final 8:12, Air Force extended its lead to 14-7 at the final horn.
 
Senior captain Hayden La Vangie led the Dolphins with four ground balls, while sophomore captain Dixon Smith and Sells picked up three each. Smith and freshman Zack Deaken (2 GBs, 2 CTs) added a pair of caused turnovers in the loss.
 
"We came out in the second half a different team, and led by the efforts of Hunter Sells, Jack Dolan, and Eric Applegate, we had our chances to close the gap. The message will be sent loud and clear this week as we prepare for Richmond that only men who refuse to be beat will be in our locker room."
 
The Dolphins return home to D.B. Milne Field next Saturday, April 6 when they welcome SoCon leader Richmond at noon.