The Elon University women’s lacrosse team got back on track March 19 with a win over Longwood University. The Phoenix capitalized on opportunities in front of the net and topped the Lancers, 15-4, with goals from seven different players. After two previous losses, the team was able to bounce back and perform with aggression and poise to get a win at home.
“The focus wasn’t there against Campbell,” Elon head coach Josh Hexter said. “We need to learn how to stay focused and have energy when we’re tired and today we did.”
Things started off slow for Elon on the draw, but gained possession more as the half progressed taking the advantage in draw controls 13-8 over the Lancers. The Phoenix played smart and poised, which allowed to it to maintain possession of the ball for the majority of the game.
“I’m so proud of them,” Hexter said. “We talked about character and coming back after you’ve been knocked down and they clearly showed that tonight. That’s what we’re made of.”
Success for the Phoenix came from a solid transition game and moving the ball around and spreading out up top. Freshman Anna Vitton led the attack, scoring the first goal of the game five minutes in off a pass from Kessler. Vitton scored another just two minutes later that started the momentum up top for the Phoenix.
“Our attack just really spreads out and people find me,” Vitton said. “It’s just really a team effort and it’s just so much fun playing with everyone I think we’re really connecting.”
Three more straight goals by Molly Garrigan, Olivia Fernandez and Sloane Kessler put the Phoenix up 5-0 with 19:02 remaining in the half. The Phoenix attack had 18 shots in the first half while shooting 50 percent. The attack took smart shots and took advantage of its opportunities in front of goal.
Longwood’s Katie McHugh put the Lancers on the board with a goal with 12:26 remaining in the half. But, Vitton struck again with a free position goal with just under 10 minutes left in the half. Fernandez netted two more for the Phoenix. Then, with 3:21 remaining in the half, Megan Weissman scored, putting the Phoenix up 9-1 headed into the break.
Elon came out of the huddle hot as Elle Hvozdovic won the draw and passed it off to Garrigan who scored a quick goal on the opening play of the second half. Kessler was the next to strike again at 28:02 on a free position goal and then again with 25:34 remaining to put the Phoenix up 12-1.
A foul by the Phoenix set up a free position attempt for the Lancers attack that capitalized and scored its second goal of the night at 22:19. Another quick goal by Longwood’s Mary Barondess came after another foul by the Phoenix that closed the gap to 12-3. Senior Emily Bishop scored her first goal of the season with 17:19 remaining in the game to put the Phoenix up 12-3 followed by Anna Vitton who scored her fourth goal of the game and 18th of the season.
“Our offense continues to spread out and keep it quick,” Vitton said. “We’re always trying to generate some more looks in the offensive zone.”
With 10:33 remaining, Longwood netted its final goal on open net. Annie Shenk closed out the game with a goal off an assist by Kessler with just over a minute left in regulation that capped the game off at 15-4 in favor of the Phoenix.
“I think we really needed the rest and that really focused us and we snapped back into playing well,” Vitton said.
Elon held most of the possession throughout the game and generated a lot of attack. The Phoenix took the advantage in shots with 31, seven of which were on free position plays, and only had four turnovers in the game. The Phoenix defense had a strong performance going 10-of-12 on clear attempts, picking up 22 ground balls and holding the Lancers to just 13 shots. Elon goalie Rachel Ramirez came up with two big saves in the first half, but those were her only saves of the game. The Phoenix is looking to continue to improve and carry that rhythm heading into the next game.
“We need to be able to step up our defense,” Hexter said. “Our defense played really well tonight and I want to build on that. And our offense we need to add in a few different looks.”
In its next match, the Phoenix will face Davidson College Saturday, March 22. The game is set for 2p.m. at Richardson Stadium in Davidson, N.C.