Elon WLAX Phoenix Takes on No. 2 UNC Sunday

ELON, N.C. – The Elon women’s lacrosse team (3-2) is set to take on No. 2 North Carolina (3-1) in its lone game of the week on Sunday, March 1, in Chapel Hill, N.C. The game is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. at Navy Field

Looking Back
After a loss at Jacksonville, Elon rebounded with a strong 16-5 victory at Stetson on Sunday. The Phoenix outscored the Hatters, 7-1, in the second half to surge to the 11-goal victory. Rookie Stephanie Asher continued her strong play with six goals and three assists, while also recording four ground balls, four draw controls and two caused turnovers. Nicole Sinacori posted a career-high five goals, while Sloane Kessler finished with one goal and one assist. Rachel Ramirez improved to 3-2 between the pipes with nine saves off 14 shots-on-goal by the Hatters.

Scouting the Tar Heels
UNC is 3-1 on the season going into this weekend with a game against Northwestern on Saturday before Sunday’s matchup with Elon. The Tar Heels dropped its first game of the season last weekend in a 13-11 final at No. 1 Maryland. UNC has already claimed wins over James Madison, Florida and High Point this month. The Tar Heels rank in the top-15 nationally in draw controls (13th), ground balls per game (12th) and points (10th). Alex Moore leads the team with 12 goals on the season followed by 10 goals from Brittney Coppa. UNC was picked to finish first in ACC this season and had three players named to the preseason team in Coppa, Caileigh Sindall and Caylee Winters.

Series Information
The Phoenix and the Tar Heels met last year during Elon’s inaugural season when UNC was ranked No. 1 in the country. The Tar Heels claimed a 20-5 win in Chapel Hill to take the 1-0 series advantage. Rachel Ramirez posted a career-high 18 saves against the reigning national champions, while Olivia Fernandez and Anna Vitton scored two goals each.

National Rankings
In the latest NCAA national rankings, Elon ranks eighth in the country in points. Individually, Stephanie Asher ranks second in goals (17) and points (21), while Sloane Kessler is second in assists with 10 total. Rachel Ramirez ranks third nationally in saves with 42 on the season.

Next Up
Elon returns home to Rhodes Stadium for four straight games, beginning with a matchup against Coastal Carolina on Friday, March 6, at 6 p.m.