Air Force Knocks off No. 16 Jacksonville to Clinch ASUN Playoff Berth

JACKSONVILLE – Air Force upended ASUN powerhouse No. 16 Jacksonville, 15-11, Saturday afternoon at Rock Stadium. The Falcons, improving to 9-5 with a 6-2 mark in the league, clinched a playoff berth in the win. JU's three-game win streak came to a halt with their third loss this season.

Air Force senior midfielder Aidan Tolen had the hot hand of the day as he scored a season-best four goals on the league's top goalie. Tolen has now scored goals in five-straight games, three of which were hat trick performances. Sophomore attack man Matt Rubino has found his rhythm in the late season, scoring his second-straight hat trick.

AF scoring leader Brandon Dodd had a five-point game, notching two goals while facilitating three others. Dodd has 64 points this season (37 g, 27 a), and has scored a goal in every appearance in 2023.

Sophomore Josh Yago put up two goals for his 14^th and 15^th of the season while senior co-team captain Tommy Hellman notched his fourth goal in the effort—senior attacker Ethan Grandolfo provided an assist both Yago and Hellman.

Gavin Peene and Wes Peene continued their goal streak with one apiece—Gavin is on a four-game goal streak while Wes on his third-straight game with a goal. Luke Vrsansky represented the AF freshmen with his fifth goal this season.

Senior co-team captain Jason Rose was pleased with his result in goal, making 11 saves to keep JU well below their season goals per game average (15.31). More notably, Rose caused four of the Dolphins' 21 turnovers. Mitchell Gruenewald and Tommy Hellman put their legs on display as they raced to scoop up four and five ground balls, respectively.

JU was led in scoring by Brandon Galloway's three goals and two assists. The Dolphins, who averaged 47.2 shots per game this season, was only able to fire of 29 on the game—speaking to AF's staunch midfield and defensive unit.

Jacksonville had success at the center dot, winning 20 face offs in 28 attempts. AF sophomore Daniel Haimes took most of the attempts, winning 6-of-16.

The Falcons return to the Academy to host 2022 ASUN Champions Robert Morris in the regular season finale and for Senior Day. Action at Falcon Lacrosse Practice Field is slated for 11 a.m., on April 29. Prior to the first whistle, the Falcons will celebrate Shad Bruce, Joshua Tauss, Dylan Frankhouser, Tommy Hellman, Joey Matheson, Gavin Peene, Mitchell Gruenewald, Maxwell Kane, Jason Rose, Ethan Grandolfo and Brandon Dodd.

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