BLACKSBURG, Va - The Elon University lacrosse team led after the first quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies but could not maintain it, as the Phoenix lost 14-11.
The game was originally scheduled to be played at Thompson Field, Virginia Tech’s outdoor lacrosse and soccer field, but was moved to the school’s indoor football practice facility due to potential thunderstorms.
Despite losing six of seven draws, Elon held a 5-4 lead at the end of the first quarter as five different players scored. After Virginia Tech tied the game in the opening minutes of the second quarter, sophomore midfielder Kaitlyn Michaud scored her second goal of the game to put Elon back ahead 6-5.
However, that was the last time the Phoenix led, as the Hokies finished the quarter with a 3-0 run to take an 8-6 halftime lead. Virginia Tech outshot Elon 7-2 in the second quarter.
Virginia Tech scored the first goal of the third quarter but junior midfielder Hannah McCarthy and senior attacker Cate Mackel responded with goals for Elon to make the score 9-8. This was the last time Elon was within a one goal reach, as Virginia Tech scored four of the next five to take a four goal lead.
Junior midfielder Kaley Ehnow and senior attacker Gillian Curran both scored in the final five minutes to bring the Phoenix within two goals of Virginia Tech until a Hokies goal with 21 seconds remaining sealed their victory.
The Hokies outshot the Phoenix 19-18 and picked up 20 ground balls compared to Elon’s 11. After a slow start in the draw circle, Elon won nine of 13 draws in the second half.
McCarthy had a team-high three goals for Elon and Curran, Michaud and Mackel both scored two. Sophomore midfielder Margaret Stephan scored Elon’s other goal.
Senior goalie Paige Brown made her third consecutive start for Elon, stopping five of Virginia Tech’s 19 shots on goal.
This was Elon’s third loss this season against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent and fourth loss against a ranked team, as the Hokies are currently ranked 25th in the Inside Lacrosse Top 25 poll.
Elon plays its final non-conference game Saturday against Winthrop University. The game at Rudd Field will begin at 1 p.m.