JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Lehigh had its toughest test of the season Sunday afternoon but could not pull away with a win, falling to Jacksonville, 80-60. The Dolphins were able to capitalize on 28 points off turnovers, including 19 in the second half for their sixth win of the season, improving to 6-2. With the loss, the Brown and White fall to 2-4 and end its five game road trip with a 2-3 record. Alex Ross had a team high 12 points in the losing effort, hitting four-of-eight three-pointers, including three in the second half.
The Mountain Hawks played the Dolphins closely in the first half, trailing by only seven points going into halftime. Jacksonville got off to a quick start scoring the first five points, before Lehigh could answer back with a free throw by Tricia Smith. While the Brown and White did not have a lead the entire half, it did tie the game at 10-10 with 14 minutes to play. The Dolphins largest lead of the half was 11 points, at the 3:38 mark.
Smith had great half, scoring nine points and creating three steals to lead Lehigh. Melissa Rich had another nine points and three rebounds for the Mountain Hawks, who shot .393 from the field and hit nine free throws.
Jacksonville was led by Virginia Gregoire, who had 14 points and four rebounds in the first half. She was four-of-five from three-point range and hit five of her eight total shots. Ashley Williams added 11 points, coming off five-of-six shooting from the free throw line.
Smith ended the game with 11 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals. Rich also ended the game with 11 points and had a team high seven rebounds and two blocks.
Gregoire led all scorers with 21 points, coming off five three-pointers. Williams contributed with 16 points, three rebounds and two steals. Shunice Hardy had a game high nine rebounds for Jacksonville and also added six points.
The Mountain Hawks will return home for the first time in three weeks, when they host LIU on Wednesday December 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. from Stabler Arena. The game can be seen live on Service Electric TV, on the web at Lehighsports.com, as well as on the radio at 91.3 WLVR-FM in the Lehigh Valley.