Elon Women’s Lacrosse Falls to Wildcats on Road

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Elon women’s lacrosse team was not able to complete several comeback attempts today, March 22, falling to Davidson, 15-8, in Richardson Stadium.

The Phoenix (4-6) finished 9-of-16 in clear attempts, while the Wildcats (2-5) went 12-of-14. Davidson claimed the advantage in ground balls, 18-13, and draw controls, 14-11, while also outshooting the maroon and gold 24-19.

Elon saw points from Olivia Fernandez, Sydney Hesselbein, Anna Vitton, Megan Weissman and Sloane Kessler. Fernandez led the Phoenix with three goals, while Hesselbein posted two goals and one assist. Vitton, Weissman and Kessler also finished with scores in the Elon effort. In goal, Rachel Ramirez took the loss after tallying five saves and four ground balls.

The Wildcats scored first with a goal by Emily Rademacher before Elon answered with Kessler’s 17th goal of the season to even the score at one-all at the 20:34 mark. Davidson then rattled off five straight goals, including one on a free-position shot, to take a 6-1 edge with 6:21 remaining in the half.

A free-position goal by Fernandez with 4:11 to play snapped the scoring drought for the Phoenix to cut the deficit to four, 6-2. Fernandez then won the ensuing draw to allow Hesselbein to score and close the gap to three, 6-3, with 3:21 on the clock. The Wildcats managed to close out the first frame with three more goals to make it a 9-3 advantage at the break.

Elon started the second half strong with goals by Hesselbein and Weissman within three minutes of one another to make it a 9-5 game with 20 minutes remaining. The Wildcats then responded with three straight goals to claim a 12-5 advantage at the 11:22 mark. After another Elon free-position goal by Fernandez with 9:39 to play, Davidson scored twice more for a 14-6 lead.

With under six minutes to play, Fernandez scored her third goal of the game followed by a Vitton goal off a Hesselbein assist to put the maroon and gold within six, 14-8. Davidson managed to score a final goal in the last minute to make it a final seven-goal victory for the Wildcats.

Davidson’s Emma Sissman scored a game-high five goals, along with one assist, and grabbed six draw controls in the game. Goalie Katy Boyle claimed the win between the pipes after six saves on the day.

The Phoenix will play its next game at home against its fourth straight Big South opponent in Presbyterian on Friday, March 28. Opening draw is set for 6 p.m. in Rhodes Stadium.