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Rising Phoenix

Elon Athletics' Rising Phoenix is a student-led initiative to cover Elon Athletics. Me and several other students lead a group of 40+ writers, photographers, videographers and creatives. I serve as a senior writer and copy editor. All content is published to the official Elon athletics website. This group has allowed me to be very creative in how I approach sports writing and has fueled my passion for it.

Elon University Athletics •

Changing Of The Guard: Sykut Era Begins For Men’s Tennis

ELON, N.C. – The program's foundation was laid, built and established by Michael Leonard. After his retirement last spring, the Elon University men's tennis team's leadership underwent a changing of the guard for the first time in two decades.

Though he knows it will not be an easy task to secede the winningest coach in program history, Maciek Sykut said he feels honored and lucky to have received the opportunity to be the next head coach of the Phoenix.

"It's no small feat to back up what coach Leonard has done over his 20-year career here," Sykut said.
Elon University Athletics •

Adams The Anchor: Women’s Basketball Gets Back On Track With Road Win

TOWSON, Md. – In a Sunday afternoon matinee where scoring came at a premium, a gutsy defensive play down the stretch by senior forward Iycez Adams proved crucial in the Elon University women's basketball team snapping a three-game losing streak.

After sophomore guard Raven Preston connected on Elon's first and only three-pointer of the game to give the Phoenix a 40-39 lead with 1:32 remaining, Adams said the big-time triple would prove to be a critical moment, one that lit a fire under the team.

"It was just clutch, she just had ice in her veins," Adams said of Preston's three-pointer. "[Regina Walton] just kicked it to her and she busted it open. That really gave us like, 'OK, it's ours now. Let's truly snatch it, take it from them,' and we all bought into that."

Because the Phoenix went with a four-guard small-ball lineup to apply full-court pressure on Towson's ball-handlers, it meant that the 6'0" Adams was the only true form of backline protection Elon had against the Tigers' bigs.
Elon University Athletics •

Unprecedented Hunger: Elon Women’s Tennis Poised For Special Spring Season

ELON, N.C. – This season, the Elon University women's tennis team has a hunger unlike anything head coach Elizabeth Anderson has seen in her two-plus decades at the helm for the Phoenix.

Despite a crushing loss in the CAA Championship quarterfinals that ended Elon's season last year, Anderson said the way her 2024-25 team has chosen to respond has been outstanding.

"You can't put it into words, the hunger that drives them, that really makes them want to put in that extra effort to be able to accomplish something really special as a team," Anderson said.

Anderson said she believes the way the team prepared in the offseason for its spring campaign was remarkable. She explained that this year's squad has put forth one of, if not the best effort she has ever seen preparation-wise in her two-plus decades of coaching.
Elon University Athletics •

Playing Free: Early Momentum Earns Women’s Tennis Best Start in Eight Years

GREENSBORO, N.C. – Following a convincing sweep over Bellarmine on Friday night, junior Madison Cordisco could not help but recognize the potential the Elon University women's tennis team has continued to flash in its first three matches of the season.

The win over the Knights moved the Phoenix to 3-0, marking Elon's best start since the 2016-17 campaign. Cordisco explained that because the team has come out of the gates so strong, she believes the early season success will continue.

"The momentum early is definitely going to help us in the long run," Cordisco said. "We're playing very, very well and it's only January, so the sky's the limit for this team and we're going to do really, really well. We're going to keep working on things that we can improve on, and we [have] some good success coming."
Elon University Athletics •

Higher: Women’s Basketball Earns Best Start To CAA Play In Eight Seasons

ELON, N.C. – After being tossed a shot-clock grenade, sophomore guard Maraja Pass had no choice but to shoot from the left wing as the buzzer ticked down. Despite being a 0-of-11 shooter from three-point range entering the attempt, Pass hoisted a contested triple from deep.

The ball rattled in, leading to an eruption from the Phoenix bench, as they joyously celebrated their 5'4" guard's first trey of the season. It was just that type of afternoon for Elon.

"My teammates always believe in me," Pass said. "They always tell me to shoot my open shots. And I was just so happy to be open that time, and I knocked it down."
Elon University Athletics •

Protect Home Court: Dorn, Sherry Keep Phoenix Perfect At Schar

ELON, N.C. – Picked to finish second to last in the conference entering into the season, the doubt has only fueled the blistering hot start for the Elon University men's basketball team.

The Phoenix protected Schar Center during a nationally televised win over Campbell on Monday night, improving its home record to 7-0. Elon moves to 12-5 and 3-1 in the CAA, marking its best overall start in Division I history, and the best start to conference play since the 2017-18 season.

Head coach Billy Taylor explained that despite the preseason doubt, his ball club continues to show they are a better team than anyone thought entering the year.

"Our guys have a lot of pride, and they're competitive," Taylor said. "From talking to these guys, they want to win, and they believe in our team and what we can do."
Elon University Athletics •

Two Generations, One Legacy: Wes Durham Follows In Father’s Broadcasting Footsteps

ELON, N.C. – Wes Durham vividly remembers his dad's voice booming over the elementary school intercom system in the middle of class one day in March. Durham was not being summoned by the higher powers of his father for making trouble though. Strangely enough, his dad was not even at the school or speaking directly to him.

His father, the late, great Woody Durham, was instead across town at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. What Durham, his classmates and teachers were hearing was his dad's radio broadcast of an ACC men's basketball tournament game, playing from a radio set into the intercom microphone in the principal's office.
Elon University Athletics •

Dorn, TJ Simpkins Impress Late In Opener At No. 9 North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – With the Phoenix down by double digits late with a raucous crowd behind the Tar Heel faithful, it seemed like a comeback of any sort would be insurmountable for the Elon University men's basketball team in its season opener on Monday night.

Even though No. 9 North Carolina held a commanding 12 point lead with 10:58 left, the Heels quickly saw its margin dwindle when the Elon backcourt went on an impressive scoring run.

"To be in this environment, it can be pretty intimidating, but our guys were ready to step up when the moment was called upon," head coach Billy Taylor said.

As sophomore guards Nick Dorn and TJ Simpkins scored 14 unanswered points over the next four minute stretch – respectively notching six and eight points in the span – each basket progressively deflated a rambunctious Dean E. Smith Center.

With All-ACC rookie guard Elliot Cadeau's hand in his face, Dorn drained a fading sidestep three-pointer on the left wing in front of the Elon bench to knot the Phoenix and the Heels at 69-apiece with 7:12 left.
Elon University Athletics •

Jones, Taylor Earn All-Conference Honors At CAA Championships

ELON, N.C. – When redshirt sophomore Evan Taylor crossed the finish line of the men's CAA cross country championship – collapsing to the ground in exhaustion – he was originally unsure of what place he came in. Minutes later on Friday morning, Taylor discovered the preliminary results showed he finished 18th, meaning he was four spots shy of a coveted All-CAA honors selection.

As he lay on the ground recovering covered in sweat, grass and mud, Taylor anxiously awaited for the final 8K results to be tallied, hoping he managed to finish in the top-15. As the runners continued to cross the finish line, the order of finish for the racers was continually updated. Once the results were finalized and set in stone, Taylor quickly made a heel turn in emotions.

"To find out that I actually got 13th was pretty incredible," Taylor said. "I think it actually made it a little more special because I did go from a bit of a, 'Meh' to an, 'OK, that was actually really good."
Elon University Athletics •

MBA To NBA: John Bowen III Finds His Coaching Calling With Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Any North Carolina native knows that basketball is a cornerstone and staple of the state. Once John Bowen III recognized the sport as his passion, he could never find a reason to leave.

"North Carolina just breeds basketball, breeds athletes and being able to get connected in terms of the basketball community has just been crazy to say the least," Bowen said. "The people I've gotten to meet, to learn from, just the legends from this state, it's been amazing."

Now an integral part of his home-state NBA team's staff – working as an assistant video coordinator for the Charlotte Hornets – Bowen aims to cement himself in North Carolina's rich basketball history.
Elon University Athletics •

Taylor, Young Capture First-Ever Individual Titles, Look To CAA Championships

ELON, N.C. – After a summer of nagging injuries with recovery training that extended into the season, redshirt sophomore Evan Taylor left no doubt he was back to full form at the Phoenix Invitational on Friday morning.

Though he has been the usual top finisher for the Elon University men's cross country team the last couple of years, Taylor said injuries led to him underperforming so far.

While waving his hands together to make a motion that resembled a Phoenix flapping its wings, Taylor crossed the finish line in first place of the men's 8K. Following his victory, Taylor was elated to finally see his training pay off. He said that a win like Friday is exactly where he hoped to be by this late in the season.

"It feels really good to be getting back into form when I need to be," Taylor said. "It was a hard mental struggle throughout the beginning of this year, not being where I wanted to be coming into the season, but at least now, I'm feeling like I'm ready to run conference, and I feel like there's still more to give after last week."
Elon University Athletics •

Early Birds: Strickland, Glebocki PR At Pirate Cross Country Invitational

ELON, N.C. – Now in his junior season, Caden Strickland has his pre-meet routine down to a tee. However, an early wakeup call on Friday morning – to account for the Elon University cross country team's drive to East Carolina University – meant his meticulous warmup regimen would be going by the wayside.

"When you're waking up at 4 a.m., everything just goes out the window," Strickland said.
Elon University Athletics •

Konar Notches Perfect Weekend At Elon Invitational, Team Organizes Hurricane Relief Efforts

ELON, N.C. – After finishing undefeated in her last fall tournament at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center, senior Miray Konar said she was just excited to put on the maroon and gold and compete again.

"I'm really happy to be back, playing next to my teammates was an amazing feeling," Konar said.

Konar stayed perfect for the Phoenix during the Elon Invitational, going undefeated in her six matches throughout Friday and Saturday, contributing to the team's 23 total wins.
Elon University Athletics •

Kranec, Bulger Shine In Collegiate Debut

ELON, N.C. – With the weekend marking Lisa Kranec and Heidi Bulger's collegiate debuts, the freshmen duo impressed at the Jimmy Powell Invitational.

Bulger held an impressive 3-0 record in singles and secured one doubles win over the weekend. Kranec racked up two singles and three doubles victories. The first years combined for nine of the Elon University women's tennis team's 20 wins throughout Friday and Saturday.

With the invitational being the first of five fall events that the Phoenix are slated to play in, Kranec said the team saw the weekend as an opportunity to sharpen their game, looking ahead even to the spring season.
Elon University Athletics •

Men’s And Women’s Cross Country Carries Process-Driven Summer Into Season

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Elon University Athletics •

Under The Lights: Cross Country Shows Out For Elon Opener

ELON, N.C. – Holding each other's hands and crossing the finish line at what looked to be the exact same time as three teammates, graduate student Madison Synowiec ended up finishing .01 seconds ahead of Quinn Smith, Abby Beville and Mikayla Jones, who all ran a 14:02.9 at the Elon Opener Friday night.

Despite Synowiec technically taking the top spot on the podium for the women's 4K, she refused to accept the accomplishment for what it was.

"I wouldn't say I got first," Synowiec said. "We all kind of got first, which was really cool."
Elon University Athletics •

Beermann Strives For Topflight, Etches Name In Long-Distance History

ELON, N.C. – Although she is now one of the most dominant and decorated long-distance runners in program history, junior Jette Beermann was once unsure of whether she was going to pursue a collegiate running career.

For Beermann, running had always been a pleasant, recreational activity that she enjoyed alongside her sister and friends. It was not until she qualified for the Under18 German Championships in 2020 – where Beermann did far better than she expected, placing fourth overall in the 3,000-meter race – that she started to see a past time have the potential to be much more.
Elon University Athletics •

Jons Smashes Records En Route To CAA Championship In 400

ELON, N.C. – As senior Piper Jons headed into the last straightaway in Saturday's 400-meter dash at the CAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship, she only had one thought on her mind.

"This is the time to do it," Jons said.

Trailing several competitors, Jons needed to find a second gear to give herself an edge in the race. She said she could not help but feed off the home crowd – comprising close friends, family and many Phoenix faithful – at the Robertson Track and Field Complex, even though she said that is atypical behavior for herself.

"I normally block out the crowd, I actually heard it this time," Jons said. "And it was like, 'Oh my gosh, all these people are cheering for me, I need to go.'"

"I honestly give it all to the crowd," Jons added. "I've never been so motivated in a race before."
Elon University Athletics •

Freshmen Shine In Postseason Debut

ELON, N.C. – Ever since Ella Suk and her two fellow freshmen arrived on campus last year, they had been thinking about this moment. When the CAA tournament kicked off on Thursday morning, she was ready to put on a show.

"It's a dream to come out here and compete," Suk said. "We were just really excited to come out here, and we've talked about this since we've been here in August. It's just something we've worked for these past couple months."

Although Suk is no stranger to clinching matches, it was fellow freshman Mariana Reding whose 6-2, 6-1 win on Court 3 was the clincher for the Phoenix.

"I love to be the clinch point," Reding laughed.
Elon University Athletics •

One Last Time At The JPTC For Seniors, Leonard

ELON, N.C. – As he walked off the Elon courts for the last time, senior Ben Zipay was unsure how to feel despite clinching the victory for his team.

"[It was] a little bittersweet. I was looking around one last time, but it felt really good," Zipay said when describing his victory against Radford in his last career outing at home.

The Jimmy Powell Tennis Center was a packed house on Friday afternoon for the pre-match Senior Day celebrations of Zipay, Dylan Heap and Daniel Martin. Although it might have been the last time Zipay walked off the court at the JPTC, he said he was proud to see the lasting impact he made on the program.
Elon University Athletics •

Elon Defense Makes Second-Half Stand, Impresses Late In Nationally Televised Win

ELON, N.C. – After scoring seven unanswered points to tie the game in the waning seconds of the first half, it looked like the Elon University men's basketball team was going to head into the locker room knotted at 39-apiece with William & Mary.

However, with 0.7 seconds left on the clock, the Tribe inbounded the ball at midcourt to junior guard Gabe Dorsey, who banked in an improbable buzzer-beating three-pointer to give the Tribe a 42-39 edge going into the break, deflating the Schar Center crowd. The make marked 14 points for Dorsey and his fourth triple of the night.

Although the miracle shot might have been discouraging to the Phoenix faithful, head coach Billy Taylor said he was pleased with the way the Elon defense – in a rarely utilized man-to-man look – closed out the first, holding the Tribe to only five points in the 3:54 after the last media timeout.

Taylor said although the Phoenix started in its traditional zone, the Tribe's blistering hot 8-19 shooting from beyond the arc meant he would at least try a different look on defense.
Elon University Athletics •

Heroics From Antinheimo Seal Improbable Phoenix Victory

ELON, N.C. – After trailing by three games in his final set Thursday against Gardner-Webb, sophomore Oskar Antinheimo stormed back to pull his match within striking distance for the Elon University men's tennis team.

With the match score at 3-2 in favor of the maroon and gold – and with junior Juan Sengariz's third set seemingly headed toward a loss that would tie the score – it became clear that a comeback victory by Antinheimo would be the only path to an Elon win.

Knotted at one set apiece and trailing 6-5 in the final set, the stage was set for a dramatic finish for Antinheimo. The Finland native stepped to the service line for a deuce point and match point for the Bulldogs, which if Antinheimo faltered on would all but ensure a loss for the Phoenix.

"I enjoy to play [in] those moments," Antinheimo said.

Antinheimo fought tooth and nail for every ball in the deuce point, and after a lengthy rally, it looked like his opponent, Numa Lemieux-Monette, would get the best of him to bring Gardner-Webb one point closer to a victory. However, Antinheimo converted on an unlikely backhand passing shot, which head coach Michael Leonard called "the shot of the year," to save match point and force a tiebreaker, giving Elon a chance to walk away with a win.

"A little bit of fortune, but also, it's Oskar," Leonard said. "Oskar gives you a chance. He's one of the few guys that has that shot."
Elon University Athletics •

Newcomers Earn First Singles Victories, Help Elon Continue 14-Year Winning Streak In Home Openers

ELON, N.C. – As the Elon University men's tennis team walked off the courts on Tuesday afternoon, every player in the maroon and gold – especially those new to head coach Michael Leonard's program – felt a sense of joy.

"It feels great to win for me and for the boys," junior Juan Sengariz said.

After dropping three matches in a row to begin the spring season – two of which came against top-25 ranked opponents – Elon was looking for its first win of the season in its home opener. With four new additions to the program last offseason, there were still those, such as Sengariz, who were hungry to get their first individual and team win going into the tilt against South Carolina State.
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On the road

I have traveled to many sporting events to report for Rising Phoenix and Elon News Network. Whether I am traveling with the team or on my own, taking road trips to different states, towns and arenas has been an awesome experience and is one of the cooler parts of the work that I have done.

Elon University Athletics •

Adams The Anchor: Women’s Basketball Gets Back On Track With Road Win

TOWSON, Md. – In a Sunday afternoon matinee where scoring came at a premium, a gutsy defensive play down the stretch by senior forward Iycez Adams proved crucial in the Elon University women's basketball team snapping a three-game losing streak.

After sophomore guard Raven Preston connected on Elon's first and only three-pointer of the game to give the Phoenix a 40-39 lead with 1:32 remaining, Adams said the big-time triple would prove to be a critical moment, one that lit a fire under the team.

"It was just clutch, she just had ice in her veins," Adams said of Preston's three-pointer. "[Regina Walton] just kicked it to her and she busted it open. That really gave us like, 'OK, it's ours now. Let's truly snatch it, take it from them,' and we all bought into that."

Because the Phoenix went with a four-guard small-ball lineup to apply full-court pressure on Towson's ball-handlers, it meant that the 6'0" Adams was the only true form of backline protection Elon had against the Tigers' bigs.
Elon University Athletics •

Dorn, TJ Simpkins Impress Late In Opener At No. 9 North Carolina

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – With the Phoenix down by double digits late with a raucous crowd behind the Tar Heel faithful, it seemed like a comeback of any sort would be insurmountable for the Elon University men's basketball team in its season opener on Monday night.

Even though No. 9 North Carolina held a commanding 12 point lead with 10:58 left, the Heels quickly saw its margin dwindle when the Elon backcourt went on an impressive scoring run.

"To be in this environment, it can be pretty intimidating, but our guys were ready to step up when the moment was called upon," head coach Billy Taylor said.

As sophomore guards Nick Dorn and TJ Simpkins scored 14 unanswered points over the next four minute stretch – respectively notching six and eight points in the span – each basket progressively deflated a rambunctious Dean E. Smith Center.

With All-ACC rookie guard Elliot Cadeau's hand in his face, Dorn drained a fading sidestep three-pointer on the left wing in front of the Elon bench to knot the Phoenix and the Heels at 69-apiece with 7:12 left.
Elon News Network •

Second half surge proves not enough in Elon University men’s basketball 82-73 loss to UNCG

After fifth-year guard Rob Higgins cut University of North Carolina Greensboro’s lead to three with 36 seconds to go, it looked like the Elon University men’s basketball team might overcome a 24-point deficit and pull off a miraculous comeback win. Yet, an errant pass by graduate student forward Zac Ervin with 33 seconds remaining all but ensured Elon’s loss, as the Phoenix went on to fall 82-73 to the Spartans Dec. 10 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. 

Elon head coach Billy Taylor said a play...
Elon News Network •

No. 17 UNC dominates Elon University women’s basketball

The Elon University women’s basketball team fell on the road against No. 17 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels handed the Phoenix a 68-39 loss Nov. 18 and dominated the second half at Carmichael Arena — doubling Elon’s scoring output en route to their fourth victory to remain undefeated this season.  
UNC’s scoring efforts were led by junior forward Maria Gakdeng, senior forward Alyssa Ustby and senior guard Deja Kelly. The trio combined for 42 of the Tar Heel’s total poi...
Elon News Network •

Elon University men’s basketball falls to Wake Forest in season opener

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – The Elon University men’s basketball team did not break its 101-year long losing streak to Wake Forest University in its season opener Nov. 6. After Elon led by 21 points during the first half, the Demon Deacons dominated the second half at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum — coming out on top 101-78. 

Wake Forest’s scorching second period was led by combined scoring efforts from senior forward Andrew Carr, redshirt sophomore guard Kevin ‘Boopie’ Miller and junior guard Cameron Hildre...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s tennis loses heartbreaker to William & Mary in CAA tournament semifinal

WILLIAMSBURG, Va – For the fifth consecutive postseason, William & Mary ended the Elon University women’s tennis team’s hopes at a Colonial Athletic Association title. The Phoenix fell 4-3 in heartbreaking fashion to the Tribe on Saturday morning in the CAA championship semifinals.
“We talked about putting everything out there and leaving it all out there,” head coach Elizabeth Anderson said. “I think they fought really hard. We just came up a little short.”...

Elon News Network

While Rising Phoenix is published under the official Elon athletics website, I spent over a year with Elon News Network, Elon's official student media outlet in its School of Communications, as a writer and photographer. ENN's mediums are on the ENN website, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc. 

Elon News Network •

Second half surge proves not enough in Elon University men’s basketball 82-73 loss to UNCG

After fifth-year guard Rob Higgins cut University of North Carolina Greensboro’s lead to three with 36 seconds to go, it looked like the Elon University men’s basketball team might overcome a 24-point deficit and pull off a miraculous comeback win. Yet, an errant pass by graduate student forward Zac Ervin with 33 seconds remaining all but ensured Elon’s loss, as the Phoenix went on to fall 82-73 to the Spartans Dec. 10 at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex. 
Elon head coach Billy Taylor said a play...
Elon News Network •

No. 17 UNC dominates Elon University women’s basketball

The Elon University women’s basketball team fell on the road against No. 17 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Tar Heels handed the Phoenix a 68-39 loss Nov. 18 and dominated the second half at Carmichael Arena — doubling Elon’s scoring output en route to their fourth victory to remain undefeated this season.  
UNC’s scoring efforts were led by junior forward Maria Gakdeng, senior forward Alyssa Ustby and senior guard Deja Kelly. The trio combined for 42 of the Tar Heel’s total poi...
Elon News Network •

Elon University men’s basketball falls to Wake Forest in season opener

The Elon University men’s basketball team did not break its 101-year long losing streak to Wake Forest University in its season opener Nov. 6. After Elon led by 21 points during the first half, the Demon Deacons dominated the second half at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum — coming out on top 101-78. 
Wake Forest’s scorching second period was led by combined scoring efforts from senior forward Andrew Carr, redshirt sophomore guard Kevin ‘Boopie’ Miller and junior guard Cameron Hildre...
Elon News Network •

Elon University sophomore guard pulls from international experience

Even though it is halfway across the world from his home in Australia, sophomore guard Max Mackinnon said he knew he was making the right decision when he committed to Elon University. 
Head coach of the Elon University men’s basketball team Billy Taylor said when Mackinnon committed, he knew he was getting a young man who was determined to take on a new challenge. 


“He wanted to do something unique, you know, go a long way from home to prove him...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s soccer dominates Charleston in regular-season finale

The Elon University women’s soccer team put on a dominant performance against the College of Charleston during their regular-season finale at Rudd Field Oct. 22. An early goal by junior forward Kelly Degnan gave the Phoenix breathing room from the outset. Impressive second-half goals by freshman forward Grace Gelhaus and freshman midfielder Gabby Hoschek put Elon in position to cap off their 2023 campaign with a 3-0 victory.
Both teams sat near the bottom of the Coastal Athletic Association stan...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s soccer team ties 1-1 against Drexel on Senior Day

After the Elon University women’s soccer team scored early, their offense screeched to a grinding halt — which generated just one shot in the second half. The Phoenix also gave up a late goal to Drexel University, allowing the Dragons to tie the match. Despite several quality looks from Drexel, neither team could find the back of the net in the final minutes — ultimately forcing a 1-1 draw at Rudd Field Oct. 8.
Elon head coach Neil Payne said he was pleased with his team’s efforts and felt like...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s soccer falls 1-0 to Delaware after go-ahead goal in opening minute

After a record-setting performance in their last outing, the Elon University women’s soccer team fell short to the University of Delaware at Rudd Field. Delaware’s goal in the opening minute combined with their impressive defense was enough to propel them to a 1-0 victory over the Phoenix Oct. 5.
Elon head coach Neil Payne said the Blue Hens’ immediate goal was “something you don’t plan for.” He also said the way Elon started the game wasn’t up to their usual standard....
Elon News Network •

Elon University men’s soccer falls 3-0 to No. 19 Hofstra

After the Elon University men’s soccer team put on a potent offensive display in the first half against No. 19 Hofstra University, it seemed like the Phoenix had a chance to win its first game in over a month. Yet, back-to-back goals by Hofstra in the opening five minutes of the second period suggested otherwise, as the Phoenix would go on to fall 3-0 on Sept. 30 at Rudd Field.
Head coach Marc Reeves said while his team played a fantastic first half, he didn’t like how they reacted once they sta...
Elon News Network •

Elon University volleyball defeated by UNCW in CAA home opener

The Elon University volleyball team was unable to win its conference home opener against the University of North Carolina Wilmington as they fell 3-0 on Sept. 23. After dropping both matches to Hofstra University last weekend, today’s loss placed Elon in a three-way tie for a race to the bottom of the Coastal Athletic Association standings.
Elon head coach Mary Tendler said while it was good to be playing in the Schar Center again, she felt like her team lacked energy from the outset of the matc...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s soccer ties against UNCW

Correction: In a previous version of this article, it was stated that this was Anna Hamner's first collegiate start. This is not true. Junior Kelly Degnan and senior McKenna Dalfonso's names were also spelled incorrectly. Elon News Network regrets these errors.
After holding the lead for almost an entire half of play at Rudd Field, it looked like the Elon University women’s soccer team was going to win its first game in over a month. However, a late goal by the University of North Carolina Wilmi...
Elon News Network •

Elon University softball’s last home game ruled no-contest against College of Charleston

Due to inclement weather, the Elon University softball team’s final home game of the season was ruled as a no-contest Sunday afternoon. 
After splitting the games on Senior Day at Hunt Softball Park yesterday, a series win against the College of Charleston Cougars was on the line. However, three innings into the rubber match, the game was delayed. Both teams left the field with Charleston leading 1-0 due to an error by senior shortstop Bella Devesa that would have ended the top of the second inn...
Elon News Network •

Elon University baseball storms back to defeat No. 9 Campbell

For the second time this season, the Elon University baseball team completed a comeback victory over a top-10 opponent at Latham Park. After redshirt junior second baseman Tanner Holliman committed an error in the top of the fifth inning, it was only right that his late-game heroics would fuel the Phoenix to a 6-5 victory over the No. 9 Campbell University Fighting Camels.  
The win marked the first time since 2015 in which the Phoenix defeated two ranked opponents in one season. It previously d...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s tennis loses heartbreaker to William & Mary in CAA tournament semifinal

WILLIAMSBURG, V.A. – For the fifth consecutive postseason, William & Mary ended the Elon University women’s tennis team’s hopes at a Colonial Athletic Association title. The Phoenix fell 4-3 in heartbreaking fashion to the Tribe on Saturday morning in the CAA championship semifinals.
“We talked about putting everything out there and leaving it all out there,” head coach Elizabeth Anderson said. “I think they fought really hard. We just came up a little short.”...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s tennis sweeps Stony Brook University in CAA tournament quarterfinal

WILLIAMSBURG, VA – For the eighth time in as many appearances, the Elon University women’s tennis team advanced to the Colonial Athletic Association championship semifinal round. The Phoenix swept Stony Brook University 4-0 Friday afternoon en route to its quarterfinal victory. 
In its first-ever meeting with the Seawolves, the Phoenix jumped out of the gates with a convincing 6-3 doubles win by graduate student Oliva Archer and sophomore Miray Konar. Junior Lizette Reding and senior Sibel Tanik...
Elon News Network •

Elon University softball splits doubleheader against UNC Wilmington

The Elon University softball team split a doubleheader against the University of North Carolina Wilmington Seahawks on Saturday afternoon, winning game one 6-1 and losing game two 2-1 at Hunt Softball Park. The team also hosted its annual alumni weekend with team alumni taking the field in their former position for the National Anthem. 
Head coach Kathy Bocock spoke highly of the alumni base and was very appreciative of those who were able to go to the games today. She emphasized how important t...
Elon News Network •

Elon University men’s tennis routs UNC Greensboro on Senior Day

The stands were packed to the brim at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center on Tuesday night. A raucous crowd created a great atmosphere, and in turn, the Phoenix rewarded the Elon faithful a strong outing. The Elon University men’s tennis team displayed a dominant performance en route to a 6-1 Senior Day victory over the University of North Carolina Greensboro Spartans.
Prior to the match, the Phoenix honored its three seniors — Nicholas Condos, Nicholas Campbell and Luke Queiroz — with speeches read...
Elon News Network •

Elon University men’s tennis drops tight conference match to William & Mary

The shouts and roars of victory from the William & Mary Tribe were heard across the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center Saturday, as the Elon University men’s tennis team fell  4-2.
The Phoenix had a chance to win a contentious conference matchup down the stretch, as the last two singles matches went to final sets. However, freshman Oskar Antinheimo and senior Nicholas Condos were unable to get the points that Elon needed to prevail.


Tensions were high in...
Elon News Network •

Olivia Archer sets all-time singles win record, Elon University women’s tennis beats Radford

When she won her match point on court No. 6 against Radford on Friday, graduate student Olivia Archer knew exactly what she had just accomplished. The victory etched Archer’s name atop the Elon University women’s tennis team’s record book. 
After tying it on Wednesday against the University of Delaware, she surpassed the program’s all-time career singles wins record, winning the 69th match of her career with a tough 6-0, 7-5 victory. The win was part of Elon’s 6-1 victory against the Radford Uni...
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s tennis sweeps Saturday doubleheader

The Elon University women’s tennis team completed two convincing victories against the Hampton University Pirates (3-6) and the Methodist University Monarchs (1-3) during its Saturday afternoon doubleheader at the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.
Elon only dropped two matches this afternoon, combining for a 12-2 total record on the day, to move to 8-3 on the season.


In a dominant day for the Phoenix, all eight players were able to get in the rotation....
Elon News Network •

Elon University women’s basketball comeback falls short in 60-58 loss to College of Charleston

On Sunday afternoon, the Elon University women’s basketball team fell short to the Charleston Cougars on Play4Kay and Senior Day at Schar Center. After trailing by as many as 18 points late in the third quarter, it looked like Elon might finish off an improbable comeback. But the Phoenix never regained a lead after the first quarter, and it fell 60-58.
On its annual Senior Day,senior guard Vanessa Taylor, senior forward Maya Johnson, graduate student guard Lenaejha Evans, senior guard Bria Harmo...