ELON, N.C. – Every Monday, Phoenix fans can get a look at the week ahead with our “Elon Athletics Weekly Update” 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.
Cross Country
Elon Invitational, Saturday, Sept. 14, at 9 a.m., Elon Cross Country Course
• The Elon cross country program hosts the fifth annual Elon Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 14. The Phoenix swept both the men’s and women’s races at last year’s invitational.
• The Phoenix women earned the team title in the season-opening meet on Aug. 30, at the Wake Forest Relays for the second straight year. In addition, the women also had the top duo at the race as Kimberly Johansen and Terza Novotna clocked a time of 31:53
• Luis Vargas and Ben Perron won the men’s individual relay title at the Wake Forest Relays as the tandem ran a time of 36:00 in the race.
Football (1-1)
Inside the Elon Huddle Luncheon, Monday, Sept. 9, at Noon, Best Western Plus
Elon Football Live Radio Show, Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m., Fat Frogg Bar and Grill
Elon at North Carolina A&T, Saturday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m., Greensboro, N.C.
• Elon picked up its first win of the year thanks to a 49-7 decision over West Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday. It was the fifth consecutive home opener won by the Phoenix, the longest such streak by the program since wins from 1980-87.
• The Phoenix ran 87 plays on Saturday, the most since running the same number in a win at North Carolina Central on Sept. 17, 2011.
• Sophomore running back Tracey Coppedge ran for 105 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries. It was the first 100-yard rushing game of Coppedge’s Elon career.
• The maroon and gold will visit North Carolina A&T for a 6 p.m. game on Saturday evening. Elon and A&T have evenly split the first eight meetings in this series. The Aggies are coming off of a 24-21 win at Appalachian State in their season opener.
Men’s Golf
Elon at Springhill Suites Intercollegiate, Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 9-10, Florence, S.C.
• Under the leadership of new head coach Don Hill, the Elon men’s golf team will make its 2013-14 debut at the Springhill Suites Intercollegiate hosted by Francis Marion on Monday and Tuesday.
• The 12-team field will play 36 holes on Monday and 18 holes on Tuesday.
• The field features three fellow Southern Conference programs – Appalachian State, Samford and Wofford.
• Elon returns its entire line up from a year ago, including seniors John Somers and Stuart Kaufman who played in the Phoenix’s top five for the majority of the 2012-13 season.
Men’s Soccer (3-0-1)
Elon vs. UNCW, Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., Rudd Field
• Elon will face UNCW in its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. on its home pitch at Rudd Field.
• The Phoenix went unbeaten this past weekend at the Hilton Garden Inn Classic, hosted by UNCW. Elon defeated Mercer, 3-2, in double-overtime on Friday, Sept. 6, before winning the tournament title with a 3-0 victory over Presbyterian on Sunday, Sept. 8.
• Charles Howard was named the tournament’s Offensive MVP and was joined on the all-tournament team by Miguel Salazar, Nathan Dean and Myles Mansfield. Sophomore James Brace also had a great weekend, scoring three goals in the two wins.
• With its win on Sunday versus Presbyterian, Elon pushed its unbeaten regular-season streak to eight games and 11 out of its past 12 matches overall dating back to last season.
Men’s Tennis
Duke Fab Four, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15, Durham, N.C.
• The Elon men’s tennis team begins its fall season this weekend in Durham, N.C., with the Duke Fab Four.
• Cameron Silverman earned a preseason singles ranking of No. 34 by the ITA, while he and Stefan Fortmann earned a preseason ranking of No. 16 in doubles.
Volleyball (2-5)
Elon at High Point, Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m., High Point, N.C.
Elon Phoenix Classic
Elon vs. Gardner-Webb, Friday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m., Alumni Gym
Elon vs. North Carolina Central, Saturday, Sept. 14, at 12:30 p.m., Alumni Gym
Elon vs. East Carolina, Saturday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m., Alumni Gym
• Elon returns to action on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at local opponent High Point in a 7 p.m. match. The last time to two met in the Millis Center, the Phoenix took a 3-0 win over the Panthers.
• The team will host its annual Elon Phoenix Classic on this weekend in Alumni Gym. Elon will face Gardner-Webb, North Carolina Central and East Carolina in the two-day tournament. The Phoenix picked up wins over all three teams last season.
• Last week, junior Kris Harris led the Phoenix with a .321 hitting percentage after 38 kills and record 12 total blocks. Junior Chanelle Smith tallied 46 kills to average 2.88 per set, while freshman Ally Karle hit .357 and finished with eight blocks.
Women’s Golf
Elon at The “Mo” Morial, Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 9-11, Bryan, Texas
• The Elon women’s golf team will open its 2013-14 season against a tough field at The “Mo” Morial hosted by Texas A&M on Monday-Wednesday.
• The 11-team field features 16th-ranked Virginia along with four other programs receiving votes for top-25 consideration – Texas A&M, Central Florida, Florida State and Kentucky.
• This year’s Phoenix team features no seniors and just two juniors – Kristi Ingram and Katie Partridge. There are also four sophomores and two freshmen.
Women’s Soccer (3-0-1)
Elon vs. Longwood, Friday, Sept. 13, at 5 p.m., Wilmington, N.C.
Elon vs. Texas A&M – Corpus Christi, Sunday, Sept. 15, at 12 p.m., Wilmington, N.C.
• The Elon women’s soccer team heads to Wilmington, N.C., this weekend for the UNC Wilmington Courtyard Marriott Wilmington Invitational. Elon faces Longwood on Friday and Texas A&M – Corpus Christi on Sunday.
• Elon went unbeaten this past week, posting wins over Greensboro (3-0) and High Point (5-0).
• Nicole Dennion finished the week with three goals and an assist, while Jennifer McGorty ended the week with a pair of scores for the maroon and gold.
Women’s Tennis
Elon Fall Invitational, Friday-Sunday, Sept. 13-15, Jimmy Powell Tennis Center
• Elon begins its fall campaign this weekend with the Elon Fall Invitational at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.
• Elon’s top doubles team of Jordan Johnston and Frida Jansaker earned a preseason ranking of No. 60 in the nation by the ITA.