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The No. 6 Gators lost 12-11 to the Jacksonville Dolphins in Jacksonville Saturday. It makes for their second loss this season and brings their win percentage to .600 at 3-2.

The Dolphins took charge in the first half and led the period 7-6. Jacksonville held on tight to ball possession, and Florida grew comfortable on the defense. Fifth year defender Cara Trombetta made two quick clears, but they were drowned out by numerous failed ones. 

The Gators started on a strong 3-0 lead in the game’s first five minutes but gave up the ball to Jacksonville as the dolphins climbed to seven points. Redshirt sophomore midfielder Paisley Eagan charged on the attack with two points from the eight meter; Senior midfielder Shannon Kavanagh brought in two goals herself. Redshirt senior attacker Brianna Harris brought the game 5-6 with a sharp long shot, and later 10-12 with a powerful overhand shot in the second half. 

Florida played the ball slow and steady on the offense, frequently passing the ball behind the net before shooting. The Gators had just 11 shots on goal in the first.

Jacksonville extended their lead 8-6 to start the second half and didn’t stop. They made three consecutive goals for a total of 12 and pushed for multiple turnovers. The Gators were energetic to start the period but didn’t stand against Jacksonville’s hunger. 

Eagan got her first hat trick of the season with a goal ten minutes into the second period. The team gained confidence afterwards, with a shot by senior attacker Kassidy Bresnahan bringing the score 9-12.

Paisley nets her third of the day for her second career hat trick 🎩

Florida – 8 | JU – 12 | 11:25 left #FLax #GoGators pic.twitter.com/vTToVFYNZJ

— Gators Lacrosse (@GatorsLAX) March 13, 2021

Still, Jacksonville dominated.

The Dolphins were lightning quick to take ground balls and turnovers, and they led the draw control 19-6.

Florida’s determination shone in the final minutes of the game, as they were down by two goals. It went empty net with less than a minute of regulation though it lost two players to the penalty box shortly after. 

Kavanagh found her third hat trick of the season in a quick bounce shot deep into the second half. The mighty midfielder brought the final score 11-12 and remains Florida’s goal leader at 15.

Gators led Jacksonville 8-7 in saves at the hands of redshirt freshman goaltender Sarah Reznick. Florida’s offense wasn’t enough to control the Dolphins’ successful charisma, however. 

The game ran opposite from their last matchup. The Gators pulled a great 19-13 victory over the Dolphins in April 2019. Unable to run it back, Florida still leads the series 9-1 against Jacksonville.

The Gators head to Philadelphia to take on the Temple Owls for their sixth-straight away game on Friday, Mar. 19 at 3 p.m. The game can be viewed on ESPN+.

Contact Faith Buckley on Twitter @_faithbuckley