The Elon University women’s lacrosse team fell to the No. 8 ranked Duke University Blue Devils, 17-8, this Saturday, Feb. 7.
The Phoenix fell behind early, trailing at halftime, 12-2, with just five shots on goal compared to Duke’s 20. However, there was a marked improvement after the half, with Elon taking 11 shots. Sophomore attacker Sloane Kessler netted two goals, both of which came after halftime. She also had two assists.
“I think when we were patient on offense and waited for stuff to develop we clicked,” Kessler said.
Elon’s offense had other bright spots, as freshman midfielder Stephanie Asher and sophomore midfielder Molly Garrigan also finished with two goals each. The Phoenix outscored the Blue Devils after halftime, 6-5.
“We hung with them well in the second half,” Asher said. “It shows us we can play with any team.”
Kessler started off the second half with a goal, although the Blue Devils immediately answered with two of its own. Down 14-3, the Phoenix clawed its way to within nine by the game’s end.
“In the second half, we really had a better mindset,” head coach Josh Hexter said. “We competed better. We always talk about doing the little things.”
Duke’s high-powered offense provided a constant threat, with senior midfielders Taylor Trimble and Katie Trees each scoring a hat trick. The Blue Devils also spread the field with nine assists. Senior attacker Brigid Smith had four, and Trimble had three.
The Phoenix had a strong showing on defense. Despite allowing 17 goals, sophomore goalie Rachel Ramirez made 12 saves, keeping the score close. The Phoenix also had 15 clears on 17 attempts.
“It’s all a mindset,” Hexter continued. “The week of practice we had leading into this shows why we played like this.”
Elon starts a four-game away stretch on Feb. 14 when they travel to Farmville, Virginia to take on Longwood University at 1 p.m.