Second-Half Dominance Leads Elon WLAX Phoenix to 16-5 Win at Stetson

DELAND, Fla. – The Elon women’s lacrosse team wrapped up its weekend in Florida with a strong 16-5 victory at Stetson today, Feb. 22. The Phoenix was led by an outstanding day from rookie Stephanie Asher who finished with six goals and three assists for nine points in the game.

The Phoenix (3-2) outshot the Hatters (1-2), 32-17, on the day and claimed a 23-13 advantage in ground balls. Elon finished 12-of-17 in clear attempts and had 12 draw controls.

Nicole Sinacori posted a career-high five goals in the game, while Sloane Kessler finished with two points after one goal and one assist. Abby Godfrey, Anna Vitton, Elle Hvozdovic and Kelli Stack all contributed to the Elon scoring attack with one goal each.

Asher also claimed four ground balls, four draw controls and had two caused turnovers, all game highs, on the day. Kessler also had a game-high four ground balls, while Molly Garrigan finished with three draw controls. Goalie Rachel Ramirez posted nine saves off 14 shots-on-goal by the Hatters.

After a missed free position shot by the Phoenix, Asher picked up the ground ball to record the first goal of the game at the 28:08 mark. Asher claimed the ensuing draw and netted another score only 10 seconds later to put the maroon and gold up 2-0 just over two minutes into the game.

Stetson would even the game, 2-2, before Kessler moved the Phoenix back in front, 3-2. The Hatters were attempting a clear when Kelsey Dupere caused a turnover and picked up the ground ball that led to Asher’s third score of the day with 23:45 left in the half.

Elon would post three more goals, including two by Sinacori, in the next five minutes for a 7-2 advantage by the 12-minute mark. Stetson netted two scores to pull within three, 7-4, before a pair of free-position shots, one by Asher and one by Godfrey, in the final minute gave the maroon and gold a 9-4 lead at the break.

After trading goals within the first four minutes of the second half, Elon maintained its five-goal advantage, 10-5. The Phoenix then went to work, holding the Hatters scoreless for the remainder of the game, while also tallying six more goals.

Sinacori netted her second of the half off an Asher assist at the 16:42 mark before Asher made it five on the day for a 12-5 lead. After a score by Vitton with 11:22 left, Sinacori and Asher added one more goal each to make it a 10-goal advantage, 15-5. Stack posted the final score of the day at the 2:46 mark for the Phoenix.

Stetson claimed 11 draws in the game and finished 6-of-13 in clear attempts. The Hatters’ Taylor Patrizi led the team with two goals, while Whitney Meyers had 15 saves between the pipes.

Elon travels to nearby Chapel Hill, N.C., for its next game to take on No. 2 North Carolina on Sunday, March 1, at 1 p.m.