Elon Women’s Soccer Opens SoCon Play With Win Over WCU

ELON, N.C. – The Elon University women’s soccer team opened its Southern Conference slate with a 3-1 decision against the visiting Western Carolina Catamounts on Thursday night, Sept. 26, at Rudd Field.

Elon (6-1-2, 1-0 SoCon) remains unbeaten at home with the win, while Western Carolina falls to 5-3-1 (0-1 SoCon) with the setback.

“We had a tremendous result tonight against a very dangerous and well-coached Western Carolina team,” said Elon head coach Chris Neal. “We had outstanding performances from Chelsey Stark, Jennifer McGorty and Kimmie Krauss.”

Jennifer McGorty put the Phoenix up 1-0 in the ninth minute after scoring from the center of the box off a Marissa Russo pass.

But the Catamounts tied the match just minutes later following a Caitlyn Bradham header from near the right post in the 11th minute.

Elon’s leading scorer Nicole Dennion helped the maroon and gold counter, as the sophomore netted her seventh goal of the season in the 20th minute off an Olivia Mackey corner kick and Chelsey Stark touch in the box to give Elon a 2-1 edge.

Following intermission, Stark extended Elon’s lead to 3-1 in the 48th minute after knocking in a McGorty cross.

The Phoenix held the Catamounts in check from that point forward, limiting its instate foe to few dangerous chances.

Elon finished the match with a 12-8 edge in shots, as both squads put five on target. The Phoenix ended the night with a slight 4-3 edge in corners as well.

Kate Murphy picked up the win, improving to 6-0-2. Murphy, the reigning SoCon Player of the Week, ended the night with four saves in 90 minutes between the posts.

Elon travels to Boone, N.C., on Sunday, Sept. 29, to face Appalachian State at 3 p.m.