JU back to winning ways

2009 Port City Classic All-Tournament Team

Box Score

The JU women’s soccer team must be getting tired of games finishing after regulation. The Dolphins defeated Jackson State, 2-1(ot), to split their two games in the Port City Classic and notch the second win of the season at “The Cage” in Mobile, Ala.

The Dolphins (2-5-0) jumped out to an early lead when freshman Becca Massip scored her first goal of the season. Jackson State (0-5-0) struck back with a goal in the 34th minute but freshman Eva Leeper ended the game with a tidy finish off of a great delivery into the box from sophomore Jessica Hurtado. JU oushot the Tigers 22-11, including three shots in overtime.

“We did a good job creating chances today,” said head coach Brian Copham. “We need to have more urgency in front of goal to finish because a hard working team like Jackson State will never stop fighting and will always cause all kinds of problems. We have to put together a complete effort in order to get to where we want to be. “

The Dolphins struck first in the 10th minute when Massip fired a 30-yard shot that took a deflection off Jackson State goalkeeper Chereka Hamilton. The Tigers would respond later in the half, however, when Shadein Mars’ shot ricocheted off the left post and into the right side of the net.

JU pushed hard in the second half, outshooting the Tigers 12-6, but were again unable to find a final touch.

Once the game headed to overtime, the Dolphins, familiar with the situation, scored in the 99th minute to end the contest. Leeper’s goal was her team-leading third of the season and sent the Dolphins home winners. Freshman Lisa Hensley was also awarded an assist on the play. The Dolphins are now 2-1 in overtime games.

JU will play one more game before beginning conference play against USC-Upstate on Sept. 25. The last non-conference contest will be at home against Eastern Kentucky on Sept. 18 before launching into 10-straight A-Sun matchup.