Elon University women’s lacrosse won its penultimate home game in style, clinching a playoff spot against Towson University with a 16-8 victory on April 19. Elon endured a back-and-forth first half before outscoring Towson 10-6 in the second half. It is the team’s fifth win in the last seven games.

Elon achieved this feat thanks to redshirt sophomore Ana Lee Vandiver and senior Sammy Fisher, who combined for nine goals, scoring five and four, respectively. Vandiver tied her season high goals with the performance. 

Both teams were efficient offensively at the start of the game. The Phoenix raced out to a 2-0 lead thanks to two early goals from Fisher before Towson outscored Elon 4-2 to tie the game at 4-4. 

Neither team could generate momentum in the second quarter before halftime. Eight combined turnovers from both teams resulted in a 6-6 tie at the half. 

Vandiver didn’t think the team was playing up to its standard in the opening half. While she pointed out some positive moments, she didn’t believe it was consistent enough. 

Elon then proceeded to take control in the second half. Vandiver set the tone for the rest of the game with three goals within the opening three minutes to give Elon a 9-6 lead. 

Vandiver said she was taking what Towson’s defense was giving her. She noted how the team was able to adjust to Towson’s defense whether they played a zone or man defense. Vandiver additionally credited her teammates for setting her up for the majority of her goals. 

“We played more into what the defense was doing,” Vandiver said. “Most of my goals were assisted so that’s credit to my teammates. We had to see what they were doing and how we could beat their defense.”

Vandiver wasn’t the only one scoring in the second half. Four other players scored at least one goal with Fisher scoring two. Fisher now has over 150 career points at Elon. 

The Phoenix would eventually go on to score 10 second-half goals en route to a 16-8 win. 

Head coach Josh Hexter said Vandiver and Fisher are both at their best when they’re playing within the team’s system. He believes that is when they can elevate the team. 

“They play their best when they’re just playing with the group,” Hexter said. “That’s when good things typically happen for them. They were both very aggressive today.”

Defensively, the team made it a priority to contain Towson senior Milana Zizakovic, who scored four goals in the first half. Elon held Towson to only two goals while forcing 10 turnovers. Elon’s defense only allowed Towson to get off just three shots in the third quarter. Hexter pointed to that change as a big component toward the team’s second half performance. 

Elon has now won five of its last seven games since starting the season 3-4. Vandiver believes the team’s turnaround is a matter of everyone holding themselves accountable whether it’s during games or practices.

Hexter said the team is focused on continuing to stay together while not worrying about any end results. 

“We’re not thinking about outcomes or anything,” Hexter said. “It’s just keep stacking plays and making sure we’re connected and sharing the ball.” 

The win gives Elon a 8-6 record. Elon will have three days off before hosting Queens at 5 p.m. April 23 for its final home game of the season.