WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Elon University women's soccer team finished the UNCW Hilton Garden Inn Mayfaire Invitational unbeaten following a 3-1 win over Francis Marion on Sunday, Sept. 14.
 
Elon (3-4) rebounded from an early goal by the Patriots to secure the win with an own-goal equalizer in the first period and a pair of second-half scores from rookies Grace Bennett and Kendall Ballotti. The Phoenix totaled 10 corner kicks on the day, scoring on two of them.
 
"We had a great result today against a talented and well-coached Francis Marion team," said Elon head coach Chris Neal. "We competed for all 90 minutes and made the most of our chances offensively. We look forward to returning home next week."
 
Francis Marion took an early 1-0 advantage in the 18th minute after Elizabeth Asare headed in a throw-in from teammate Chanel Harris for the score. But Elon tied it three minutes later on a Patriots own-goal after an FMU defender mistakenly redirected a clearance into the goal, making it a 1-1 game.
 
After the half, Elon took a 2-1 lead in the 57th minute after cashing in on one of its many corner kicks. Bennett knocked in a long volley on the set piece for her second goal of the year. Bethany Houpt and Ballotti earned assists for the Phoenix on Bennett's goal.
 
Ballotti earned her third point of the afternoon 22 minutes later, as the rookie headed in a corner kick to give Elon late insurance and a 3-1 advantage. Houpt earned her second assist of the day on the goal.
 
Kate Murphy earned the win for Elon at keeper today, her second straight victory, after playing the match's final 45 minutes. Sydney Branson played the first 45 minutes in goal for the Phoenix.
 
Elon finished the match with a 6-1 advantage in shots on target and a 10-2 lead in corner kicks.
 
Elon returns to the friendly confines of Rudd Field on Friday, Sept. 19, for a non-conference contest against Gardner-Webb. Kick is slated for 7 p.m. The match will be broadcasted live on Phoenix All-Access.