The Elon University women’s lacrosse team lost 10-9 to Hofstra University Friday. Despite a four point lead — Elon's largest lead in CAA play this season — the Pride fought back into contention, tying the game with 3:01 to play.
The Phoenix started off strong. After Hofstra scored early, Elon countered with goals from sophomore attacker Anna Vitton and sophomore midfielder Molly Garrigan.
Although Hofstra would score again, two goals from freshman attacker Stephanie Asher and another from Garrigan gave Elon a 6-3 advantage at the half.
“We really came into this thinking that we had a good chance of winning,” Vitton said. “We had a lot of confidence in this game, and I think that that was good for us.”
After halftime, the Pride narrowed the lead to two when freshman attacker Katie Kirk scored. Garrigan and Vitton each contributed another goal but Hofstra ended the game on a 6-1 run, including a go-ahead goal by sophomore attacker Morgan Knox with 51 seconds remaining.
Despite the loss, the Phoenix was resilient. Sophomore goalie Rachel Ramirez made 14 saves on the day, slowing down the dynamic Hofstra offense. Asher and Garrigan finished with three goals each while Vitton finished with two.
“We ultimately gave them too many chances,” said head coach Josh Hexter. “We had the game in hand, and we [had] too many unforced turnovers.”
Elon struggled to find an answer for Kirk, who had three goals, and senior attacker Brittain Altomare, who had two.
The loss knocks the Phoenix down to 8-7 (1-4 CAA). Hofstra improves to 10-4 (5-0 CAA). The Phoenix returns to Rhodes Stadium for its final home game of the year against Drexel University Sunday at 1 p.m.
“We’ve grown together [by] working together every single day of practice,” said Garrigan. “We really know each other’s strengths and weakness now, and how to show them.”