GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- The Jacksonville Dolphins battled all the way to the end against the No. 5 Florida Gators, ultimately falling 12-11 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium Wednesday afternoon. Jacksonville outscored UF 6-3 in the second half before coming up just short in the fourth quarter.

Jacksonville (9-5, 5-1 ASUN) was led by junior Maeve Brennan who scored three goals and provided one assist.

The Gators scored first, but the first quarter belonged to the Dolphins. Senior Olivia Johnson got JU on the board, then senior Maddi Santini scrapped her way to the goal for another finish. Brennan potted an extra-player opportunity to put Jacksonville up 3-1.

Brennan turned quarterback, finding junior midfielder Julia Nicholson who made a spectacular catch to fire away in front of the goal to cap off a four-goal Dolphin run. The Gators scored one more at the end of the quarter, but JU took a 4-2 lead into the second period.

Florida went on its biggest run of the game in the second, scoring the first seven goals of the period to take a five-goal lead. Freshman Paige Garguilo finished a tough shot down the alley to give Jacksonville a spark heading into the half.

The Gators struck first in the second half, scoring three-straight goals to open the third quarter. Despite facing a seven-goal deficit, the Dolphins wouldn't waver.

Jacksonville turned to sophomore goalie Elia Alewine, who would make six second-half saves, allowing no goals during her action.

Hagans powered a shot from range to start the second-half run. Brennan took the ball herself, rolling all the way to the rack and putting a shot past the net-minder. Hagans received the ball on the high righty wing, dancing through the traffic and getting a shot in the goal to cut the deficit to four at the end of the third.

Brennan took another strong solo effort. Junior Jessica Giller dodged down the alley, firing a powerful shot with her weaker left hand, leaving the goalie no chance to make a save. Two goal game.

Fewer than three minutes later, junior captain Allyx Berry went at the heart of the defense for a goal, making it a one-goal game with 3:31 to play.

After a Florida turnover, the Dolphins got one last possession, calling timeout with 37 ticks left on the clock. Jacksonville dialed up a final play and got a good look, but the goalie was there with a stop to hold off a final JU charge.

Game Notes

• This is the second game in series history decided by one goal and the closest game between JU and Florida since the Dolphins pulled off the 12-11 upset in 2021.
• Jacksonville held the Gators to their fourth-fewest goals in a game this season.
• Brennan has at least four points in eight of her last nine games.

Up Next
The Dolphins will host the Lindenwood Lions for Senior Day at Rock Stadium. Opening draw is slated for noon on Saturday.