DeLand, Fla. ? In a game that seemed even everywhere but on the scoreboard, Stetson fell to in-state conference rival Jacksonville University. The Dolphins held the advantage in shots 13-11, saves 5-4, and the two teams tied 12-12 in fouls. The imbalance, however, was the score as JU won 4-1.

Stetson opened the scoring at 20:54 when freshman Gonzalo deMujica (Weston, Fla.) scored the second goal of his young career. Kirk Labusch (Brandon, Fla.) made a swift run down the right side and crossed the ball into the middle. deMujica picked up the pass and blasted a turnaround right footer past the sprawling goalkeeper. It was the third assist on the season for Labusch.

It didn't take the Dolphins long to answer as Phillip Meyner (Ulm, Germany) scored four minutes later. Tony Taylor (Jacksonville, Fla.) scored his first of two goals at 36:32 and JU held a 2-1 lead at the half.

Although Stetson made some solid runs early in the second, Jacksonville's Taylor put the game out of reach at 60:39 with another unassisted gem from 25 yards out. Nedim Hrustic (Jacksonville, Fla.) completed the scoring at 74:20.

“Other than 12 minutes in the first half, we did not play well tonight,” said Hatters Head Coach Logan Fleck. “We were not the team making things happen out there.”

Although Stetson goalkeeper Marc Galizia (Bradenton, Fla.) gave up four goals, he also made some brilliant saves in the game. Labusch and deMujica led the way with three shots each, while Richard Porteous (Austin, Texas) had two.

The one advantage for Stetson late in the game was the opportunity to give some of its younger players a chance to see some playing time.

“Our young guys showed enthusiasm at the end,” said Fleck. “They displayed the energy we are going to need as a team to play through the bad spots.”

Stetson will re-take the field Sunday at 4:00 p.m. when they host North Florida in another Atlantic Sun Conference game.