Elon, N.C. - The Coastal Carolina women's lacrosse team got a much-needed win on the road against the Elon Phoenix today in a back-and-forth, high octane 8-7 result at Rudd Field.
The Chants got on the board first with a goal from graduate attacker Abi George, her sixth of the season, giving Coastal the early 1-0 inside of three minutes. The Phoenix equalized less than two minutes later with a goal from junior midfielder Sammy Fisher, her fifth of the season. CCU led 2-1 after the opening quarter with senior forward Sydney McClure continuing her recent hot streak, scoring her fifth goal in the last two games.
Coastal was outscored 3-1 in the second period, leading to a 4-3 deficit heading into the halftime break. Elon struck first, scoring two inside of as many minutes, coming from Fisher and freshman forward Ana Lee Vandiver. The Chants got their first equalizer of the afternoon off a goal from senior Maddie Bates, evening the scoreline at three with 7:23 remaining in the opening half. The Phoenix regained the lead with less than three minutes left in the half, retaining their one goal advantage going into the break.
The back-and-forth affair continued into the early stages of the second half after Elon doubled their advantage with a goal from sophomore midfielder Anna Hackett halfway through the third quarter. CCU equalized for the second time of the game with a pair of goals in quick succession, one from reigning ASUN Midfielder of the Year Avery McIlwaine and the second of the day from McClure. Elon reclaimed the lead on the stroke of the third period's final whistle, taking a 6-5 lead into the final 15 minutes.
Coastal's third equalizer came just 45 seconds into the fourth quarter after junior Brigid Cardillo scored her first goal of the game and her third of the season. The Chants and the Phoenix both traded goals later in the fourth. Elon's Mikaela Buoscio once again reclaimed the lead for the home side, only for George to net Coastal's fourth equalizer, evening the score at seven apiece with seven minutes to play. With less than five minutes remaining in the game, coming off the assist from Cardillo, Bates gave the Chants the decisive goal that sealed the crucial victory on the road.
Despite coming away with the victory, the Chants were slightly outshot by Elon 22-19 with an even 14 attempts on goal for each side. Bates, George and McClure each recorded a brace, with McIlwaine and Cardillo both supplying the other two scores for Coastal. Goalkeeper Charlotte Sadler finished the game with seven saves, playing all 60 minutes between the posts.
After closing out the season's first road trip today with the win over Elon, the Chants will return home to face the Binghamton Bearcats on Wednesday, Mar. 6 at noon ET at Brooks Stadium.
For complete coverage of CCU women's lacrosse, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalWLAX (Twitter), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com
