The Elon University women’s lacrosse team defeated San Diego State University 11-7 in its season opener on Friday night.
The Phoenix started the season off strong with a good offensive game and three players scoring at least two goals. The game started off quick when reigning CAA Rookie of the Year, sophomore attacker Stephanie Asher, scored the first goal for Elon 30 seconds into the game.
The first half was mostly back and forth until Elon pulled ahead after the go-ahead goal by sophomore midfielder/attacker Shelby Scanlin with 6:43 left in the first half.
“Coach just said in the circle to focus on the little things,” Scanlin said. “It’s really important to keep that in mind in the season and just playing as a team and lifting each other up.”
Elon and SDSU came out in the second half nice and warm, despite playing in the 30 degree temperatures outside. Both showed strong defense for the start of the second half until Scanlin broke the 16 scoreless minutes to give Elon a 10-6 lead with 13:18 left in the game.
“When we come out and we’re all talking and we’re all connected, when we’re doing the little things, we’re always on the same page,” said junior attacker Sloane Kessler. “Even from warmup, you could tell we were all on the same page and all connected, that’s when we play our best.”
The Phoenix played an aggressive offensive game, outshooting SDSU 30-12. Kessler finished the game with three goals and one assist to lead Elon. Asher and Scanlin both added two goals.
“When we do the little things and we are competing hard at practice, we are each others best opponents. Going forward we have a great schedule ahead of us and we are just gonna keep working hard,” said Kessler.
The Phoenix concludes its two-game weekend at 2 p.m. Sunday at Rudd Field, hosting Longwood University.