The historic win and championship earns the team an automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA Women's Soccer Tournament.
For the first time in program history, the Elon University women’s soccer team earned its first Colonial Athletic Association Championship title as it recorded a 1-0 win over the University of North Carolina at Wilmington on April 17.
“I’m so incredibly proud of the team,” said head coach Neil Payne. “They have worked so hard to become the conference champions and deserve everything they have achieved. We’ve faced two very strong opponents this week who we have a ton of respect for, so all credit to this special group for being so resilient and finding a way to get two impressive wins.”
The Rundown
- Following a scoreless first half, Carson Jones scored in the 81st minute off of a rebound of her own blocked shot.
- Elon did not allow the Seahawks to get a shot off in the remaining time to secure the win and championship title.
Notes
- Jones and Lily Harkes led the team in shots on goal (2), followed by Beky Myers (1) and Claire Broderdorp (1).
- Freshman McKenna Dalfonso (6-3) earned her fourth consecutive shutout and sixth of the season. She also totaled two saves on the day.
- Elon’s backline held UNCW to just two shots on goal.
- The win marked the second time in program history that the Phoenix defeated the Seahawks.
Additional thoughts from Coach Payne
“All players and an amazing staff work diligently every day to make us the team we have become and I couldn’t be more grateful. I also need to give credit to Elon and our administration who, in what has been a very challenging year, have worked tirelessly to get us on the field, so a massive thank you to all responsible from the whole of our team.”
Up Next
Elon will face Horizon League champion Milwaukee in the opening round of the 2020 NCAA Tournament, as announced on the NCAA selection show on Monday afternoon, April 19. The Phoenix (6-3) and Panthers (8-1-1) will meet for a 3 p.m. game on Wednesday, April 28 at WakeMed Field in Cary, N.C., with the winner earning the right to play top-seeded Florida State.
More information about the game will be posted on elonphoenix.com as it becomes available.