JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- The Jacksonville women's soccer team battled in a defensive showdown against North Alabama on Sunday. The Dolphins ultimately fell 1-0 due to stellar goalkeeping and a great goal by the visiting Lions.
 
Goals (Assists)
17' – Izzi Gurney-Harper (Alice Bussey)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

On a day with perfect weather conditions for fall soccer, the Dolphins put together an overall solid performance against a North Alabama squad currently ranked fourth in the Atlantic Sun. A couple of highlight-reel saves in the second half by the Lions' goalkeeper, Adriana Wright, proved to be enough to help North Alabama secure all three points.
 
Haley Woodaz had the Dolphins' first strong chance in the second half, less than two minutes into the half, and sent a one-time shot towards the left side of the goal. A flying fingertip save by Wright kept JU off the scoreboard. Later, shots from Nya Bridgewater and Hannah Bielicke were also equally met by Wright, who leads the conference in goals allowed average and shutouts, keeping JU from the back of the net.
 
For the majority of the game, the Dolphins kept the North Alabama attack at bay. The only difference between the two sides came in the 17th minute when the Lions lined up for a corner kick. Bussey sent in a dangerous cross that Gurney-Harper met first time with a volley, and the finish was near perfect. Besides that moment, stellar defensive play up the middle from the likes of Hannah Bielicke and Millie Urquhart played a major role in keeping UNA from adding to their lead.
 
Shelby Brim put together a strong performance in the midfield for the Dolphins. She played box-to-box for much of the game, halting plenty of UNA counter opportunities, while also stringing together many passes herself to help JU's attack.
 
Logan Gonzales started in goal for the 10th consecutive contest. She recorded seven saves, putting together another solid performance. It's her fourth match with at least five saves this season.

WHAT THEY SAID

"This was a game we really wanted to get a positive result from for our seniors," said head coach John Constable. "Our team played well today in what was a pretty even contest. Credit to UNA for getting the decisive first goal. A huge thank you to our seniors for four years of good work. Our program is in a far better place now than it was when they arrived 4 years ago. I am thankful to our seniors for everything they have given to our program. We look forward to the River City Rumble next week as we aim to close the season out on a high."

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES

• The Dolphins celebrated their 2023 seniors on the day. Bielicke, Tinotenda Chiweshe, Hayley Friedl, Gonzales, Gabby Holtrop and Woodaz were all honored.

 
UP NEXT

JU concludes their season next Saturday in the River City Rumble against North Florida. The game is slated for a noon start time and can be streamed on ESPN+