Duval Times

Jacksonville University recently issued the following announcement.

USA Lacrosse Magazine released its preseason 2022 Women's Division I rankings on Tuesday, Dec. 28. Jacksonville University's women's lacrosse team placed at the No. 18 spot after having one of its most historical seasons this past spring.

This is not the first time the Dolphins have been recognized as a top 20 program for its achievements. Back in September, JU made its way to the No. 17 spot in the magazine's early 2022 rankings.

As a team, the Dolphins ranked in the top 10 nationally in several categories, finishing second in the NCAA in ground balls per game (22.99), fifth in caused turnovers per game (11.43), seventh in scoring margin (6.29) and shots on goal per game (26.21), eighth in shots per game (34.50) and ninth in scoring defense (9.36) and free position percentage (.530).

Aside from a stellar team performance, the veteran trio of Sarah Elms, Molly Brock and Jenny Kinsey are expected to lead the program to new heights. All three finished the previous season with multiple achievements.

Elms led the way on offense as she tallied a season-high of shots on goal with 11 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament against Vanderbilt, achieved 12 games with hat trick performances and seven games with five or more goals. After the team won the ASUN Conference championship, she was named tournament MVP and went on to be the fifth Dolphin in program history to be named ASUN Player of the Year, for which she was a unanimous selection. In addition to her conference awards, Elms was Named Honorable Mention All-American by USA Lacrosse Magazine and was placed on the Division 1 All South Regional Second Team.

Before the 2021 spring season began, Kinsey was labeled as the ASUN Preseason Player of the Year and proved to be the right choice for the selection immediately, after earning two goals, one assist, four ground balls and one caused turnover against ranked Florida in the program's home-opener. Throughout the remainder of the season she recorded several season-highs with 12 shots and nine shots on goal against Coastal Carolina, six goals against Liberty, and three assists against Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament. Kinsey's efforts landed her on the ASUN All-Tournament Team and ASUN All-Conference First Team.

Brock had a breakout junior campaign starting with a spot on the Preseason All-ASUN roster and earning IWLCA Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts in the home-opener against Florida. She was a three-time ASUN Defensive Player of the Week honoree, which led to her landing the ASUN Defensive Player of the Year accolade. She was a key factor in the Dolphins second place NCAA finish for draw controls with an average of 22.99 per game.

The Dolphins head coach Mindy McCord, who was unanimously elected as the 2021 ASUN coach of the year, is returning ninety-seven percent of the 2021 roster. Talent on the roster includes; Brianna Samules who garnered ASUN Freshman of the year, five ASUN Conference first-team selections and three second-team selections, four transfers and nine freshman.

Original source can be found here.