ELON, N.C. — Looking to end its season-opening five-match homestand on a high note, the Elon women's soccer team erupted for its most goals in almost three years in a 4-0 win over UNC Asheville on Sunday night at Rudd Field. With the victory, the Phoenix snapped a two-match losing streak and improved to 2-2-1 on the season. The Bulldogs fell to 2-3-1.
 
"We were raring to go for this game," said Elon head coach Neil Payne. "We learned a ton from the last two games (against Virginia Tech and NC State). That's why we scheduled ACC opponents. It was always going to expose some weaknesses within the group, so we could highlight that and try to fix that and get back to our style of play and get on the ball and have the courage to do that. So, I'm really pleased, overall, with the response. There are a couple of things that still need improving, but overall, I'm thrilled with the group."
 
THE RUNDOWN

• After dominating possession early, Elon finally broke through for the first goal of the game in the 23rd minute, when Molly Mahoney fired a shot from just outside of the penalty box into the lower left corner of the net. Beky Myers earned the assist.
• With time winding down in the first half, Ashlee Brehio received a pass from Kerri Coffman on the left edge of the penalty box and chipped a shot over the goalkeeper's outstretched arms and into the upper left corner of the goal for her first career goal.
• The Phoenix picked up its third goal in the 56th minute, when Abby Fusca snuck a shot from just outside of the penalty box into the lower left corner of the goal.
• Elon wrapped up the scoring in the 75th minute after a corner kick resulted in an own goal by Asheville.

NOTES 

• Elon's four goals marked its most since scoring eight against Hampton on Sept. 15, 2019.
• The Phoenix's 12 goals are its most through five matches since opening the 2017 season with 12.
• Brehio scored her first career goal, becoming the third Elon freshman — along with Rachel Buckle and Isa Murdock — to notch a goal this season.
• Fusca and Mahoney each notched their second goals of the season, becoming the first Phoenix players to score multiple goals this year. The two seniors are also tied for the team lead in points with five.
• Coffman's assist marked her first career point.
• McKenna Dalfonso registered her 14th career shutout, moving her into a tie with Kate Murphy (2011-14) and Lauren Ounjian (1988-90) for the fifth most in school history.

UP NEXT 

• Elon will hit the road for the first time this season Thursday, when it visits Gardner-Webb. The match is set to begin at 7 p.m. in Boiling Springs, N.C.