Jacksonville, Fla. – The Dolphins kicked off their 2023 season with an out-of-conference match-up against Michigan. Jacksonville fell to the Big Ten competitor, 14-10 Friday night.
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JU STAT LEADERS
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GOALS – Sarah Elms (3)
ASSISTS – Grace Hobson (3)
GROUNDBALLS – Maddy Orefice, Sarah Elms, Lauren Craft (3)
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HOW IT HAPPENED
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Jacksonville and Michigan battled it out right from the draw at the first whistle. Molly Brock of JU scored the game's first goal at 13:16 off a free position. The Wolverines answered shortly after with Kaley Thompson's goal at 12:18 to tie the game. The Dolphins responded with a goal from Lauren Craft, assisted by Grace Hobson, at 7:05. At the end of the first period; the score showed 4-2 Michigan.
While the two sides exchanged goals in the opening parts of the second, it was Michigan who found themselves with the edge in the quarter as Jill Smith netted all three UM goals to give the Wolverines a 7-3 lead at the half.Â
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Jacksonville came back fighting in the 3rd period of the game with a goal scored less than 30 seconds in by Lauren Ellis. Michigan went on to score four of the next five goals.
Grace Hobson and Mackenzie Boyle netted back-to-back goals in the 4th period. Lauren Craft scored her second goal of the evening with Sarah Elms picking up the helper in what was the final goal of the contest.Â
COACH'S COMMENTSÂ
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"It's great to have a game under our belts as we head into Sunday, said head coach Tara Singleton after the season opener. "We saw a lot of great moments in today's contest, and I am confident this group will make the necessary adjustments for game number two. "While I would have preferred to start this season off with a win, I am so proud to begin my head coaching career with the members of this team and all of our staff. It's a special group, and I am lucky every day!Â
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ADDITIONAL NOTES
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UP NEXTÂ
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The Dolphins return to Rock Stadium Sunday Feb. 12, to face off against No. 8 Rutgers at 1 p.m.
