Elon University women’s soccer fought to a hard earned 1–1 draw in their latest conference game against the University of North Carolina Wilmington, which featured aggressive play and impressive goalkeeping on both sides.
The opening half set the tone for the night. UNCW pressed early, putting pressure on Elon’s defense with five corner kicks and two shots on goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Katie Bisgrove kept the Phoenix in the game with a pair of crucial saves that denied UNCW the early lead.
Elon head coach Neil Payne emphasized the importance of ball control as a primary strategy to neutralize Wilmington's aggressive defensive style.
“It was important that we try to control the ball and try to take the physicality out of it,” Payne said.
The half closed scoreless, though both sides had multiple opportunities.
Elon broke through first in the second half. Sophomore midfielder Jess Beck shot a right footed strike into the bottom of the net, assisted by redshirt junior midfielder Ava Hellner, giving the Phoenix a 1–0 lead.
Beck said the team's strategy, which is centered on maintaining an aggressive playing style, is what helped her make the shot. She also said pregame and halftime huddles help focus on boosting team morale..
"We've been working on being aggressive during practices,” Beck said.“We are always trying to hype each other up, everyone's always yelling, staying aggressive and getting on it."
UNCW responded with determination. Redshirt sophomore forward Hailey Longwell tied up the score for UNCW, finding the net to tie the match at 1–1. Additionally, UNCW thought they had taken the lead late in the half, but an offsides call wiped away what would have been the winning goal.
Payne acknowledged the challenges of their competitive conference, where teams consistently push hard when trailing.
“Yeah, I mean, you know, our conference is tough,” Payne said. “Anytime a team is a goal down, it's only normal that they will send lots of numbers, and you have to defend and deal with that pressure. And unfortunately, they scored late on.”
Despite facing a solid opponent and ultimately ending the game in a tie, the team demonstrated remarkable determination in holding off UNCW from taking the lead during the final minutes against the number one ranked team in the South Division of the Coastal Athletic Association.
Beck said the team's focus remains on consistent improvement by maintaining high energy practices, building team confidence, and supporting one another.
"Getting after it in practices, building each other up, not tearing anyone down, staying confident and focused," Beck said.
While the match may have ended in a draw, the team's commitment to growth, positivity, and a collective effort towards achieving their goals suggests a promising path forward.
The Phoenix will rest for two days before traveling to Buies Creek, North Carolina to play Campbell University at 6 p.m. Oct. 3.