Jacksonville University witnessed a weekend of exceptional athletic achievement as both the softball and women's lacrosse teams delivered stunning victories against military academies, showcasing the Dolphins' competitive spirit and resilience.
Softball's Power Surge Against Army
The JU softball team concluded the Jacksonville Spring Break Challenge with a resounding 7-2 victory over Army, reinforcing their earlier 8-4 win against the Black Knights. Demonstrating consistent power hitting and capitalizing on Army's fielding errors, the Dolphins (13-10) showcased their offensive prowess.
Despite falling behind early, the Dolphins rallied in the third inning, exploiting Army's miscues to take the lead. Gabby Baylog's remarkable 13-pitch at-bat, culminating in an RBI-double, highlighted the team's determination. Alayna Gaddy's solo home run in the fourth further solidified JU's dominance.
Madison Bratek's impressive 3-for-4 performance, including two doubles, and contributions from Jazz Jones and Baylog fueled the Dolphins' offense. Freshman pitcher Hailey Strunk earned her first collegiate win, while Skylar Waggoner provided solid relief.
"It is just about putting our best swing on good pitches to hit," head coach Erica Ayers said, emphasizing the team's focus on solid contact.
Lacrosse Stuns No. 18 Navy in Upset Victory
Adding to the weekend's excitement, the Jacksonville women's lacrosse team delivered a thrilling 10-9 upset over No. 18 Navy, marking their first ranked win since March 2023. Freshman attacker Shae Hagans emerged as the hero, scoring the game-winning goal with seconds remaining.
Hagans' four-point performance, including a hat-trick, highlighted her impact. "I think she's a baller," head coach Tara Singleton praised, acknowledging Hagans' consistent effort. Goalkeeper Brookelynn Hodgin's 13 saves proved crucial, anchoring a strong defensive effort.
The Dolphins displayed resilience throughout the game, trading goals with Navy and overcoming a late deficit. Allyx Berry and Maeve Brennan set the tone early, while Madison Plitt and Ainsley Scruggs contributed key goals.
"She stole multiple goals for us today and the impact that she has on us, on and off the field, is tremendous," Singleton said of Hodgin's performance.
The victory showcased the Dolphins' balanced attack, with six players scoring and five recording multiple points. JU's dominance in draw controls, led by Maggie Cuddy, also played a vital role.
This weekend's victories underscore the strength and determination of Jacksonville University's athletic programs, providing a memorable series of wins over esteemed military academies.
