JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --- As the calendar inches forward past the winter, lacrosse season has finally sprung. The Jacksonville Dolphins will start their 17th lacrosse season this Saturday against the No. 18 Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
The Dolphins won't be making the trip to the icy cold of Piscataway, New Jersey, nor protecting the friendly shores of Rock Beach. Instead, Jacksonville will "host" Rutgers at the Paradise Lacrosse Kickoff in Naples, Florida.
The event will ring in the lacrosse New Year, with the Dolphins and Scarlet Knights facing off at 2 PM on ESPN+.
The Match-Up
Opponent: No. 18 Rutgers
Head Coach: Brian Brecht (15th Season)
2025 Record: 7-9
Players To Watch: G Cardin Stoller, LSM Ryan Spilane, A Colin Kurdyla
The Scarlet Knights are one of the top programs in the country, routinely finding themselves in the national polls and competing for NCAA tournament appearances. Last season didn't reach those highs, finishing 7-9, but Rutgers poses a strong opponent in the season opener.
It starts with All-American goalie Cardin Stoller, one of the nation's top net minders. He saved 56.7% of shots faced a season ago, allowing just 8.85 goals per game. Rutgers has long produced great offenses under Brecht, and junior Colin Kurdyla will look to continue that legacy after an All-Big 10 season last year.
One Key Stat
Neutral Site Record Since 2020: 10-6
The Dolphins are no strangers to marquee match-ups on a neutral site. Since 2020, Jacksonville is 10-6 in neutral site match-ups, including conference tournament games. JU is even better in regular season, true neutral site games. The Dolphins have won five straight neutral site regular season games. A season ago, the Dolphins picked up one of their biggest wins of the season on neutral turf, beating rivals High Point 11-9 in Savannah.
The last time JU opened the season with a neutral site game was 2024. That year, the Dolphins took down Binghamton 9-8 at the USA Lacrosse Facility in Glencoe, Maryland.
Game Information
When: 2 PM
Where: Paradise Sports Complex (Naples, Fla.| 3940 City Gate Blvd. N.)
How To Watch:
ESPN+
Tickets:
HERE
