KENNESAW, Ga. --- The Jacksonville women's lacrosse team defeated the Kennesaw State Owls 14-12 Thursday afternoon. The Dolphins have won their last six games and started the conference season 2-0.

The Dolphins were led by freshman attacker Shae Hagans who scored a team-high three goals. Four more players scored at least two goals as the Jacksonville offense scored at least 14 goals for the fifth time in JU's last six games.

Sophomore midfielder Jessica Giller struck first for the Dolphins to open a tight first quarter. KSU tied the game, but senior attacker Madison Plitt evened the score. After the Owls took their first lead of the game, Giller found junior attacker Ainsley Scruggs for a goal to tie the game at three.

Sophomore attacker Maddie Herman isolated her defender on the low wing and bullied her way to the goal to put JU up one, but Kennesaw answered. Not to be deterred, the Dolphins quickly won possession and sophomore attacker Maeve Brennan popped open for a go-ahead goal at the buzzer.

The first quarter was a battle, but Jacksonville took complete command in the second. Sophomore midfielder Julia Nicholson got the scoring started before Hagans buried her first two goals of the day.

Senior midfielder Maddy Orefice, thrust into more of an offensive role in the game, scored her first of two impressive solo goals, weaving through the Kennesaw State defense. Brennan added her second of the day to cap a 5-1 quarter for the Dolphins.

The Owls responded with a quick 3-0 run to open the second half before Jacksonville answered with a 3-0 run of its own to maintain a five-goal advantage. KSU scored two more before the end of the third to make it a three-goal game with a quarter to play.

Hagans scored first in the fourth quarter to push JU's lead back up to four, but the Owls rallied late. Kennesaw State cut the lead to two, but the Dolphins' defense held firm in front of freshman net-minder Elia Alewine to see out the victory in the final minutes.

Game Notes

• The Dolphins are undefeated all-time against the Owls (14-0).
• Jacksonville has won its last 13 regular season games in ASUN play.
• JU out-shot Kennesaw State 40-28 and 27-19 with shots on goal.
• Hagans has four hat-tricks this season.

Head Coach Tara Singleton
"Today was a battle for our squad. I'm happy we established a lead and held on to it to earn a tough conference win on the road!"

Up Next
The Dolphins will stay on the road as they face the Lindenwood Lions. Opening draw is set for Saturday at 1 PM ET, and the game will be streamed on ESPN+.