ELON, N.C. -- Freshman Lindsey Nusdeo's header in the 37th minute propelled the Elon women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory against the Western Carolina Catamounts in Southern Conference action on Sunday afternoon at Rudd Field. The victory was Elon's first-ever over Western Carolina. Elon improved to 8-3-2 overall, matching its total number of wins from all of last year. The Phoenix is 4-1-1 in the league and in second place in the standings. Western Carolina dropped to 5-5-4 on the season and 2-2-2 in the SoCon.

 

"Our team was very professional in its approach today and we were able to grind out another win against a good opponent," said Elon head coach Chris Neal. "Being our second game in the last four days, we relied on a lot of people to get this win and everyone did their jobs well."

 

In a physical contest, each team battled for possession throughout the contest. Elon had a chance midway through the first half to get on the board when Alanna Winsper served a perfect ball in the box. Molly Calpin headed an attempt at the net, but goalie Caitlin Williams was in position to make the save. Williams posted two saves in the game.

 

Elon earned its lone corner kick of the half in the 37th minute. Freshman Liz Palmer notched her fifth assist of the season as her service found the head of Nusdeo who punched her first career strike into the far post at 36:59. 

 

The Phoenix defense snuffed out the Western attack, securing its sixth shutout of the season. Elon goalkeeper Sydney Little secured four saves in the effort. 

 

The shot tally was slightly in Elon's favor at 7-6 and the Phoenix attempted three corner kicks compared to two by the Catamounts. 

 

Elon will play three more home games this week, including its final non-conference game of the season when it hosts Greensboro College on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. at Rudd Field.