ELON, N.C. – The Elon women’s lacrosse team (8-6, 1-3) plays its final two regular-season games this weekend when it hosts RV Hofstra (9-4, 4-0) and Drexel (3-11, 0-4) this weekend in Rhodes Stadium. The Phoenix takes on the Pride on Friday, April 17, at 5 p.m. before its final regular-season game on Sunday, April 19, against the Dragons at 1 p.m.
Looking Back
It came down to the final seconds but Elon was able to claim its first ever CAA win with an 8-7 final over William & Mary on Sunday. After a shot by the Phoenix was saved with 20 seconds remaining, the Tribe managed to clear the ball but was not able to get a shot off before time expired, giving the maroon and gold the win as the clock hit zero. Elon took 23 shots in the game, finished a near perfect 18-of-19 in clear attempts and won six draws, including three by Alexis Zadjura. The Phoenix claimed a 13-11 advantage in ground balls with a game-high four by Rachel Ramirez. Stephanie Asher recorded a game-high three goals and had one assist on the day for Elon. The Phoenix also saw scores from Sloane Kessler, Abby Godfrey, Anna Vitton, Elle Hvozdovic and Jacie Cooper, along with assists by Kessler, Kelsey Dupere and Kelli Stack. Ramirez tallied the win between the posts with a season-high 15 saves in the game.
Scouting the Pride
Hofstra currently sits atop the league with a perfect 4-0 conference record and a 9-4 overall season record. Last week, the Pride claimed one-point victories over both Delaware, 6-5, and Towson, 8-7. Hofstra ranks in the top 30 nationally in scoring defense (8.85) and 34th in draw controls (12.23/game). Brittain Altomare, a four-time CAA Player of the Week honoree, currently ranks first nationally in points per game (5.23), second in assists per game (2.77) and seventh in draw controls (5.62). The senior leads the team with 32 goals and 36 assists on the season. On defense, April Iannetta ranks sixth in the nation in caused turnovers (2.23/game) and ground balls (3.15/game).
Scouting the Dragons
Drexel is still in search of its first CAA win this season and its first victory since a 12-10 final against La Salle on March 25. The Dragons last fell to Delaware, 9-6, on April 12 in Philadelphia. Drexel currently owns a 35.5 team shot percentage and scores 6.5 goals per game. Lacey Aghazarian leads the team with 17 goals this season followed by 14 goals from Milan White. Jocelyn Quaile ranks 28th nationally in caused turnovers (1.64/game), while Teresha Bradley is 28th in ground balls (2.5/game).
Series Information
This weekend marks the first games for the Phoenix against both Hofstra and Drexel.
Another Weekly Honor
For the third time this season, the CAA named Stephanie Asher the Rookie of the Week on April 13. Asher led the Phoenix last week with four goals in two games, including the team’s first ever CAA win. The rookie notched two scores at No. 16/19 James Madison before two more goals and one assist in the win over William & Mary. Asher took five shots on the week, netting four, for an 80.0 shot percentage, including a perfect 2-for-2 in free-position shots. The Glenelg, Md., native also finished with one ground ball and four draw controls.
National Rankings
In the latest NCAA national rankings, Stephanie Asher ranks 25th in goals (39) and 31st in goals per game (2.79/game), while Sloane Kessler is 42nd in assists with 19 total. Rachel Ramirez ranks 12th nationally in saves with 121 on the season and 16th in saves per game with 8.64/game.
Next Up
The top four teams from the CAA regular season advance to the CAA Championship in Newark, Del., on May 1 – 3. The four teams that make the championship semifinals will be finalized at the conclusion of the conference regular season on Saturday, April 25.