Box Score ELON, N.C. – Elon University women's soccer has won 4 of its first 5 games to start the season after defeating Richmond 3-1 on Thursday, Sept. 5, in Richmond, Va.
 
"I think this season we just have a different mentality," head coach Neil Payne explained. "This year the girls came in prepared and took everything more seriously in the offseason. I think part of it too is that the team is getting used to the message, they're all starting to understand each other, and there's just a real appetite to compete and perform well in every game. We know we can't get caught up in wins and losses, we just need to focus on our performance, and tonight was a great performance."
 
With the win, the Phoenix moved to 4-1 overall, already surpassing its win total from last season. Richmond moved to 1-2-1 with the loss.
 
HIGHLIGHTS
Early in the first half, Elon's defenses played the biggest role. In the opening 30 minutes of the contest, Elon held Richmond scoreless despite surrendering seven shots along the way.  
 
The Phoenix took a 1-0 lead in the 38^th minute on Carson Jones third goal of the season. The chance came on a beautiful assist from Jasmine Bryant to set Jones up perfectly for a quick strike to give Elon the lead.
 
Elon entered halftime maintaining a 1-0 lead.
 
The Phoenix kept up the pressure early in the second half, attacking from the opening kick. In the 57^th minute, Grace Kiser got free in the box and finished off a perfect cross from Jasmine Bryant for the first goal of her collegiate career. The play extended Elon's lead to 2-0 just twelve minutes in to the final 45.
 
Elon pushed its lead to 3-0 in the 87^th minute after Sarah Bevington received a beautiful cross from Taylor Paradoski and fired a rocket into the back of the net. The play effectively secured the win for the Phoenix late in the game.
 
Richmond trimmed the Phoenix's lead to 3-1 in the 89^th minute.
 
In the match, the Phoenix racked up nine shots, including eight on frame, and six corner kicks. Elon's three goals scored tonight also set a new season high in the category.

Katrin Hauksdottir earned her fourth win in goal for the Phoenix, making four saves along the way.

UP NEXT
Elon hosts UNC Asheville on Sunday, Sept. 8, at Rudd Field. That match is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.