Box Score

ELON, N.C. – After taking the first set, 25-19, the Elon University volleyball team came out victorious after a thrilling second and third set to sweep the High Point University Panthers, 3-0 (25-19, 26-24, 25-18), Tuesday night in the Phoenix’s home opener inside Jordan Gymnasium.

After taking the first set, 25-19, Elon (5-0) found itself in a battle with HPU in the second set, as the Panthers came back from two points down to knot it at 22-all late in the game. However, the Phoenix managed to rally down the stretch to win the set and take a 2-0 lead, as a floater up front over a pair of Panther defenders by senior Lauren Copenhagen sealed the win for Elon.

The Phoenix carried its momentum into the third set of the match, taking a 10-3 advantage early to force High Point head coach Jason Oliver to call a timeout.

After Elon went ahead eight points, 17-9, following an ace by senior Sarah Schermerhorn, the Panthers mounted a comeback and pulled back within five at 22-17, using a kill by Courtney Johnk to gain momentum. However, the Phoenix managed to close the match down the stretch, as three consecutive points, including a match-point kill by junior Caroline Lemke, gave Elon the victory.

Lemke and Copenhagen led Elon with a team-best 11 kills, while junior Traci Stewart notched her first double-double of the season with 10 kills and 10 digs.

Sophomore Ali Deatsch registered a team-high 16 digs for the Phoenix, while sophomore Megan McMahon recorded 35 assists and 14 digs.

Elon makes the trek to the Golden State this weekend, Sept. 3-4, for the Sacramento State University Tournament in Sacramento, Calif. The Phoenix opens up against Cal State Northridge on Friday, Sept. 3, at 8 p.m. (EST).