JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville University men's lacrosse team completed the program's largest comeback victory, defeating Marist 15-12 after facing a 10-2 deficit just after the halftime break.
It was JU's first victory of the season, avenging last year's overtime loss to Marist on the road.
How It Happened
Marist jumped on Jacksonville in the first and second quarter, holding the Dolphins to just two goals and taking advantage of opportunities throughout to earn an 9-2 lead in the opening half.
A challenged and motivated team came out in the second half for JU, answering the opening goal for Marist in the second half with 10 straight scores.
Tucker Denault,
Breyden Harrison and
Peyton Tallo sparked the comeback, scoring three in just over a minute to pull within five.
Jack Taylor added one of his four just one minute later at the 10:04 mark to make it 10-6. Nine minutes later,
Jackson Intrieri broke the scoreless stretch making it 10-7 with 1:01 left in the third.
With three seconds left in the third,
Drew Kessenich pulled the Dolphins within two, inching closer to a program defining comeback.
In the fourth,
Nicky Brown lit the spark, scoring off an assist from faceoff specialist
Drew Rippeon to make it a one goal game.
Jack Taylor tied things up shortly after at the 13:52 mark.
Jacksonville's first and final lead change of the night came moments later as
Nicky Brown converted on the man-up opportunity off an assist from
Andrew Cowan with 13:12 left in the game.
The Dolphins stretched the lead all the way to four from there, earning a gutsy 15-12 victory at home.
Head Coach John Galloway
"I couldn't be more proud of our group and the resiliency that they showed through 60 minutes of lacrosse today. The game has been a bit of a microcosm of our season.
We came out of the gate not ready to execute against a very talented Marist team. However, we had a growth mindset at halftime and fought for every alumni who wanted that game in the worst way.
Jack Taylor led us on the offensive end and we had a few young guys step up in important roles when we needed them most. I also want to recognize Lucas Fraser, who is a catalyst for us on defense right now.
We have a lot to address, but will do so with humility and excitement to grow more this week."
Next Up
Jacksonville will look to continue the momentum next Saturday (Feb. 22), facing Hampton at home with a noon scheduled start time.
