BALTIMORE, Md. – Kitty Cullen scored three goals, but the Florida lacrosse team lost at Johns Hopkins, 16-8, in the Gators’ American Lacrosse Conference debut.
After a tight first half, Johns Hopkins took control of the game with a scoring run early in the final period. Florida (3-3 overall, 0-1 ALC) had trouble clearing the ball out of its defensive zone and Johns Hopkins scored five straight goals to take a 15-7 lead.
Candace Rossi led Johns Hopkins (4-3 overall, 1-0 ALC) with five goals and an assist, while Brianna Cronin, Colleen McCaffrey and Sam Schrum each had three goals.
The first half was back and forth, with Johns Hopkins getting on the board first on a goal from Rossi. Florida’s Colby Rhea tied the game at 1-1 and at 2-2 off assists from Ashley Bruns.
Bruns then scored to give Florida its only lead of the day at 3-2, but the Blue Jays took the lead again at 4-3.
Brittany Dashiell tied the game at 4-4, but Johns Hopkins strung together a few goals late in the first half and led 7-5 at the break.
Cullen led the Gators with three goals, while Rhea and Dashiell each had two. Bruns finished with one goal and two assists.
Florida begins a three-game homestand Wednesday when it faces Marist at 6:30 p.m.