In a physical matchup, the Elon University lacrosse team lost its season opener against the University of Virginia Cavaliers 20-11 on Feb. 11. Despite the loss, head coach Josh Hexter said he is proud of the effort the Phoenix displayed on the field against the Cavaliers.
“The goals were to come out and be physical and to really be connected with each other and to have a phenomenal attitude throughout the game,” Hexter said. “You can check all those boxes.”
The Phoenix took possession of the ball to start off; however, once Virginia took control of the ball, the team found it hard to come back. After Elon committed fouls within the key, Virginia was able to snag direct shots on goal, leading the game in the first five minutes.
Senior midfielder Gillian Curran, who was selected as part of the preseason all Colonial Athletic Association team, scored the first Elon goal of the season with 10:24 left in the first quarter. After two more consecutive goals, the Phoenix cut the Cavaliers’ lead, but was unable to hold onto the momentum.
Throughout the first half, Elon struggled with defense. The Cavaliers had a 5-0 run in the opening of the second quarter and the zone defense the Phoenix executed was no match for U.Va.’s physical attack. Elon finished the half down by six, 12-6.
Heading into the third quarter, Elon continued to struggle defensively. While the team celebrated freshman attacker Cierra Hopson’s Phoenix debut and first goal of the season in the fourth quarter, it was ultimately not enough to close the gap.
The Phoenix did not play a scrimmage game prior to the matchup on Feb. 11, which Hexter said made going into the season opener against as strong of an opponent as Virginia a lot more difficult.
“We've got a few adjustments to make, but for what we wanted to accomplish in our very first game, without having a scrimmage, this was just such outstanding effort by the girls,” Hexter said.
Hexter said for the team’s upcoming game on Sunday against Duke University at home, the team will focus on improving its defensive game.
“While we are taking the loss for this, I’m still happy that we had this experience moving forward with the season,” Hexter said. “I’m just incredibly proud. I really believe in this group.”