Johnson Leads Dolphins To Season Opening Win

Sophomore scores five goals in JU's 14-8 victory over Campbell

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Jacksonville University women's lacrosse team opened the 2026 season with a 14-8 win over Campbell on Saturday. Senior Tara Johnson led the Dolphins with a career-high five goals, while sophomore goalie Elia Alewine made nine saves in her first career start. Jacksonville had six different goal scorers and six different players with assists in the victory.

Why it matters

This win marks the fifth season-opening victory for the Dolphins, who are looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign. Johnson's breakout performance and Alewine's solid debut in goal are encouraging signs for JU as they aim to contend in the ASUN conference this year.

The details

The Dolphins fell behind 3-1 early, but Johnson scored four unanswered goals to give JU a 5-3 halftime lead. Jacksonville's defense shut out Campbell in the second quarter. In the second half, the Dolphins pulled away with contributions from several players, including junior Giller who scored two goals. Johnson completed her five-goal day late in the fourth quarter.

  • The Dolphins opened the 2026 women's lacrosse season on February 7th.
  • Jacksonville will host Rider University on February 21st at 12:00 PM.

The players

Tara Johnson

A senior for the Jacksonville University women's lacrosse team who set a new career high with six points (5 goals, 1 assist) in the season-opening win over Campbell.

Elia Alewine

A sophomore goalie for the Jacksonville University women's lacrosse team who made her first career start, recording nine saves at 52% in the win over Campbell.

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What they’re saying

“I'm proud of the girls, there's so much to be really proud of. I like a lot of what I saw, and I'm really excited about working through some of the kinks. But to have six different scorers and six different assisters, that's pretty phenomenal. To have Elia go in there, get her first start and make nine saves, that's pretty awesome.”

— Tara Singleton, Head Coach (judolphins.com)

“She is somebody we've been giving that push to turn the corner, be a threat, because she's a dual threat. She can feed, she can score. I think she took full advantage today.”

— Tara Singleton, Head Coach (judolphins.com)

“I'm so proud of her. It's a big job. I think she kept it as neutral as possible and her play showed because of that.”

— Tara Singleton, Head Coach (judolphins.com)

What’s next

After an early bye week, the Dolphins will be back at Rock Stadium Saturday, Feb. 21 against the Rider Broncs. Opening draw is slated for noon.

The takeaway

Johnson's career-high performance and Alewine's solid debut in goal are promising signs for the Jacksonville University women's lacrosse team as they look to build on their strong 2025 season and contend in the ASUN conference.