A 10-0 run to start the second half helped the Elon University lacrosse team defeat the Winthrop University Eagles 19-9 in Elon’s final non-conference game of the season. 

Despite outshooting Winthrop 22-9 in the first two quarters, Elon led just 9-6 at halftime. However, Elon quickly built on its advantage in the third quarter, as five goals in the opening six minutes stretched the team’s lead to eight goals.

“We made good adjustments throughout the game on both offense and defense,” head coach Josh Hexter said. “The goal today was to make sure we were really focusing more so on the little things and staying disciplined throughout the game. I think overall, we took a big step in that direction.”

Senior attacker Gillian Curran scored five goals, two of which came in Elon’s 10-0 run to begin the second half. She also assisted on a goal by senior attacker Cate Mackel during the third quarter. Curran leads the team with 25 goals this season, which is already more than she scored all of last year. 

“It’s fun to watch her play. She makes everybody around her better,” Hexter said. “Her overall attitude and how she brings the level of play up for the kids around her is what makes her special.” 

Freshman attacker Cierra Hopson scored four goals, including Elon’s final three, and senior attacker Bella Feldmann scored a hat trick. Nine different players scored for the Phoenix. 

“We have a good balance between our entire attack and we still have a ways to go with how we’re playing offense,” Hexter said. “We still looked a little bit off but it is nice when you have a plethora of players who can score at any time.” 

When sophomore midfielder Maraget Stephan scored to give Elon a 16-6 lead with 5:27 remaining in the third quarter, the running clock rule went into effect. This is when a team takes a ten goal lead, the officials no longer stop the clock after goals. 

Hexter took advantage of the running clock and the large second half lead by getting his reserve players some playing time. 27 of the team’s 32 players appeared in the game. 

“Everyone on the team works so hard every day,” Hexter said. When you get an opportunity to make sure that everybody can contribute on the game field, we always want to do that.”

Elon will host William & Mary on March 30 at 7 p.m. in its first Colonial Athletic Association game. Hexter said the team still needs to improve both offensively and defensively prior to the matchup. 

“We need to make sure that we really focus on us and play how we need to play and be excited about how we play and not worry about the opponent,” Hexter said.