CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The Jacksonville University men's lacrosse team (1-1) rolled into Chapel Hill on a mission opposite #2 North Carolina (2-0) but program-defining win will need to wait just a little longer as the Dolphins were forced to settle for an 18-7 loss at the hands of the Tar Heels.
"Tonight was a fantastic opportunity to test our mettle against one of the best in the country," head coach
John Galloway said. "That is one of the best UNC teams I have seen in a long time. While I'm disappointed by our execution, I'm encouraged by our will. I learned a lot about our team tonight, but most notably I learned that we don't quit. Those lessons are going to mean a lot if we put them to use."
The Dolphins shared the wealth on Saturday night. While familiar names
Jack Dolan and
Evan Tyler each contributed two goals and an assist,
Sam Chase,
Brett Reilly and
Luke Robinson each tossed in a goal.
Nathan Kapp remained effective on the dot, going 10-23.
Tucker Garrity caused a pair of turnovers, Dolan led the way with three ground balls and
Jason Yoquinto had a career performance in net in relief of
Adam Baker. Yoquinto had 10 saves posting a save percentage of .526.
"Individually, I was thrilled with the effort of
Jake Antonucci,
Tucker Garrity and
Troy Hettinger," Galloway continued. "I was also proud of
Jason Yoquinto for coming in cold to deliver our team a spark. It's only February 13th, and I can't wait to go back to work on Monday morning."
The Tar Heels jumped ahead early and never really allowed JU to claw its way back into the game. With the score tied at one following Reilly's score, North Carolina scored four-straight to close the first quarter with a 5-1 lead. Jacksonville scored first in the second quarter and pulled to within three, 7-4, following an
Evan Tyler tally.
Sam Chase scored the final JU goal of the half to leave Jacksonville with a 9-5 deficit heading into the locker room.
Jacksonville surrendered six-straight to open the third quarter.
Evan Tyler and
Luke Robinson scored the only two second half goals for the Dolphins. North Carolina added insurance to put this one away, 18-7.
Up next for the Dolphins will be a neutral site contest in Savannah, Ga. opposite a familiar foe in Mercer. That matchup will get started at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20.
