JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jacksonville University women's basketball team (9-17, 5-8) extended their three-game winning streak tonight against Kennesaw State (10-17, 6-8). Edyn Battle's 13-point first-quarter performance and Saniyah Craig's six rebounds in the opening quarter provided the Dolphins the advantage they needed to soar past the Owls, clinching a spot in the Atlantic Sun postseason.

Battle's outstanding first quarter propelled her to a total of 28 points, along with four rebounds and four assists, marking her 12th game with 20-plus points. Meanwhile, Saniyah Craig secured her fifth double-double of the season with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and one assist. 

The Dolphins' defense came out strong in the first quarter, holding KSU to just four points in the opening 10 minutes, establishing their largest first-quarter lead of the season, 21-4.

Leading the ASUN conference in scoring, Edyn Battle helped the Dolphins seize control of the game with a quick three-pointer and an old-fashioned three-point play, putting the Dolphins ahead 6-0 at 7:28. By the first media timeout, Battle had scored eight of the Dolphins' nine points, while JU's defense kept Kennesaw State scoreless with 6:16 remaining in the quarter. Following the timeout, a smooth pick-and-roll executed by Battle and Saniyah Craig extended the lead to 11-2 at 4:40. Moments later, Jalisa Dunlap drained a crucial three-pointer, putting the Dolphins ahead 14-2. The Dolphins went on to dominate the first quarter, outscoring KSU 21-4, with Battle contributing 13 points.

A few turnovers and a 5-0 run by the visitors narrowed JU's lead to eight points with 7:58 remaining in the second quarter. The Owls continued to push, embarking on a 10-0 run to cut the deficit to 21-14 with 5:11 left in the quarter. 

Julene Royal eventually found herself wide open on the three-point line, halting the Owls' run and breaking the Dolphins' scoring drought. Following her basket, Craig knocked down two free throws, and Battle added a three-pointer to extend the lead to 29-18 with 2:18 remaining in the half. The Dolphins would continue their run, maintaining momentum heading into halftime with a 32-23 lead.

At the halfway mark, Battle opened the scoring with a big three-pointer from the far-right corner, giving the Dolphins a 35-23 lead at 8:42. While staying in rhythm, Battle called for a high ball screen by Jada Jones, resulting in another perfect pick-and-roll conversion that gave the Dolphins a 15-point lead at 6:21. 

The Dolphins' offense remained efficient throughout the quarter, with significant contributions from Zaria Blake, Kyshonna Brown, and Sana'a Garrett, ending the period with a 55-40 advantage. The Dolphins capitalized on their opportunities in the game's final moments, shooting 5-for-8 from the charity stripe to secure the victory over the Owls. 

COACHES COMMENTS 

UP NEXT 

The Dolphins will return to Swisher to host Queens for the second round in conference play Saturday, February 24. The game is set to begin at 2 pm and will be streamed on ESPN+. 

ADDITIONAL NOTES  

• Sana Garrett finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists. 

• Edyn Battle shot 57.1 percent from the three-point line.

• Dolphins were one three away from tying their season high in three-point field goals made.

• Dolphins finished with 13 assists as a team.