Elon women’s lacrosse goalie Rachel Ramirez was named the Women’s Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week in the Atlantic Sun Conference this week.

As a freshman playing every minute between the pipes, Ramirez led the Phoenix to three straight wins in the past two weeks with 30 total saves in those games. This was the second time Ramirez received the honor and the third straight week a Phoenix player has been recognized by the conference and been awarded a player of the week honor.

"It's an honor to be named the defensive player of the week and it's an amazing feeling,” Ramirez said, “but I couldn't have done it without my teammates in front of me."

In the past three weeks, Ramirez has kept the defense tight, recording a 50.0 or higher save percentage in each game, allowing only nine goals and picking up six ground balls.

"I just play and don’t care about the scoreboard,” Ramirez said. “I try to play with my heart and leave everything I can on the field each game."

Last week, the Phoenix earned its first conference win in program history against the University of Detroit, Mercy, a game in which Ramirez played a pivotal role in clinching the win with a crucial save in the final seconds. The Phoenix carried that success into the weekend with an exciting 12-10 road victory over Coastal Carolina University.

"We are a strong defense because of the relationship we have on and off the field,” Ramirez said. “The effective way we communicate really enables us to have success when facing our opponents."

Elon’s next game will be the biggest challenge of the season for the Phoenix defense as reigning national champion and No. 1 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill is currently leading the nation in scoring offense with an average of 18.57 goals per game. Abbey Friend, who is ranked seventh in goals per game, averaging four this season, leads the Tar Heel attack.

"I'm excited,” Ramirez said. “We have been working very hard in practice, getting better each day. Now we have a chance to play a high caliber team and show our abilities. It will be a great game."

Ramirez and the Phoenix will take on the Tar Heels of North Carolina Wednesday, March 12, in Chapel Hill, N.C. The game is set for 7 p.m. at Fetzer Field.