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.
Men’s Basketball (11-6, 2-2 CAA)
Elon vs. UNCW, Thursday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., Alumni Gym
Elon at College of Charleston, Saturday, Jan. 16, at 4 p.m., Charleston, S.C.
• It was the second consecutive weekend split for the Phoenix with a win at James Madison on Thursday and a narrow loss to CAA preseason favorite Hoftsra on Saturday.
• Despite splitting the week, Elon held two of the CAA’s top-three three-point shooting teams to below their averages. The Phoenix held Hofstra to six threes in the game. The Pride were averaging 9.3 triples a game heading into the contest.
• Elon has a second consecutive home and road week split in conference play this week, hosting UNCW on Thursday and traveling down to Charleston, S.C., on Saturday.
Women’s Basketball (9-5, 2-1 CAA)
Elon at Towson, Friday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., Towson, Md.
Elon at Drexel, Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2 p.m., Philadelphia, Pa.
• The Phoenix is coming off a heartbreaking overtime 81-76 defeat to reigning CAA champion James Madison on Sunday. The maroon and gold saw 20 points from Jenifer Rhodes, who matched her career high, followed by 12 points, six rebounds and three assists by Malaya Johnson.
• Elon claimed a thrilling 61-60 victory over Hofstra on Friday in Alumni Gym, winning after Shay Burnett hit two clutch free throws with seven seconds remaining in the game. Burnett finished with a double-double after 18 points and 11 rebounds.
• The Phoenix heads out on a two-game road trip next weekend to take on Towson and Drexel on Jan. 15 and Jan. 17, respectively.
Men’s Tennis
Elon at No. 13 Duke, Friday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m., Durham, N.C.
Elon at NC State, Sunday, Jan. 17, 10 a.m., Raleigh, N.C.
• Elon begins the 2016 season this weekend against two ACC opponents. The Phoenix has a young squad heading into the season with a total of six true freshmen. Only three players return from last season and Elon added a junior transfer to the fold.
• Elon will face five teams that played in the 2015 Men’s Tennis Championship: Duke, NC State, William & Mary, Navy and defending national champion Virginia.
• In July, Elon was selected to host the 2016 Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships, which will be held April 21-24 at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center and the Burlington Tennis Center.
Women’s Tennis (0-1)
Not in competition this week
• The Elon women’s tennis team opened the 2016 spring season with a 6-1 loss to fourth-ranked North Carolina Jan. 10 at the Cone-Kenfield Tennis Center.
• Erica Braschi earned a point for the Phoenix with a victory at No. 2 singles against the Tar Heels’ Marika Akkerman.
• The Phoenix returns to the court Jan. 20 with a road match at Duke, followed by a Jan. 23 match against UNCG at the Piedmont Indoor Tennis Center in Greensboro.
Women’s Track and Field
Elon at Wake Forest Invitational, Saturday, Jan. 16, Winston-Salem, N.C.
• The Phoenix opens the 2016 calendar year at its second indoor meet of the season, the Wake Forest Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 16, inside the JDL Fast Track Complex.
• Elon began its indoor season at the JDL Kickoff Classic in December. The Phoenix won the meet with 68 total points, edging out runner-up Charlotte, who finished with 55.
• Elon had multiple athletes stand out at the JDL Kickoff Classic. Sydney Griffin broke her own school record in the 60-meter hurdles with her personal-best time of 8.53. Jen Esposito also established a new school record in the 500-meter dash with time of 1:15.63. The Phoenix also had Bre’anna Warren win the shot put title at the meet with her toss of 43’ 6.50” (13.27m).