This Week in Elon Athletics

ELON, N.C. – Every Monday, Phoenix fans can get a look at the week ahead with our “This Week in Elon Athletics” feature when we will preview all the week’s upcoming events for our sports teams. “Follow us” on Twitter at @elonphoenix and @elonscores, “Like” Elon Phoenix on Facebook and continue to check elonphoenix.com to stay current on all things Elon Athletics.

Men’s Soccer (0-0)
Elon vs. High Point, Saturday, August 25 at 8 p.m., Rhodes Stadium

• The defending Southern Conference champion Elon men’s soccer team opens the 2012 season on Saturday night in Rhodes Stadium against local rival High Point.
• Last year’s match against the Panthers in Rhodes Stadium set a program-record for attendance with over 3,000 fans in the stands.
• Elon was selected fourth in the SoCon preseason poll. Seniors Chris Thomas and Gabe Latigue garnered preseason all-league honors.

Volleyball (0-0)
Hilton RTP/NCCU Tournament
Elon vs. Hampton, Friday, August 24, at 12 p.m., Durham, N.C.
Elon vs. Bradley, Friday, August 24, at 3:30 p.m., Durham, N.C.
Elon vs. Liberty, Saturday, August 25, at 2:30 p.m., Durham, N.C.

• Elon begins its 2012 campaign on Friday in the Hilton RTP/NCCU Tournament, which the Phoenix won last season after going 4-0.
• The maroon and gold returns 10 players from last year’s 19-14 squad, including fourth-year starting libero Ali Deatsch.
• The Phoenix welcomes four freshmen this season in Megan Gravley, Catherine Head, Ana Nicksic and Chelsea Raffeto.
• Elon was selected third in the North Division by the league’s coaches in the SoCon preseason poll.

Women’s Soccer (0-1-1)
Elon vs. VMI, Friday, August 24, at 5 p.m., Lexington, Va.

• The Phoenix faces its second road test of the season on Friday when it heads to Lexington, Va., to face VMI.
• Elon opened the season with an impressive 1-1 draw against Cincinnati at Rudd Field. The Phoenix played without five of its starters against the Bearcats while Catherine Brinkman, the team’s leading scorer last season, played goalie for the first time in her career.
• The Phoenix’s next home match is slated for August 30 against Coastal Carolina.