Norfolk, Va. – The Elon University lacrosse team opened the 2024 season in dominant fashion, defeating Old Dominion 16-6 on the road Saturday. The victory avenges a 12-11 defeat to the Monarchs in the 2023 season opener.
 
Elon showed off a consistent offensive attack (four goals in each period) and a smothering defensive effort (ODU was just 13-of-25 on clear attempts), while dominating in the draw circle, 19-6, behind the record-tying performance of freshman MJ Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara had 12 draw controls, tying for the single-game program record in her collegiate debut.
 
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• Elon never trailed in the game. Kaitlyn Michaud got Elon on the board in 2024, scoring on a free-position shot less than three minutes into the action. For Michaud, it was her first point scoring scoring nine goals in the 2022 season.
• ODU answered to tie the score at 1-1 but Elon answered with three straight to close the first period. Michaud recorded her second goal, while Cierra Hopson and Anna Hackett both scored their first goals of 2024.
• Hackett and Michaud scored again early in the second to make it 6-1 but Old Dominion answered with three straight goals.
• With momentum shifting, freshman Mia Zebley got her first collegiate goal and Hackett joined Michaud with three goals to give Elon an 8-4 lead at the half.
• Hopson gave Elon a 9-4 lead on a Zebley assist but the Monarchs scored twice to make it 9-6 midway through the third. However, a three-goal Elon flurry in the final 97 seconds of the period put the game away.
• Michaud scored her fourth and fifth goals of the game during that run, while Hackett got her fourth as well.
• The Elon defense shut out Old Dominion in the fourth quarter, while Santa Barbara earned her first collegiate goal. Mikaela Buoscio, Hackett and Kailey McKenna closed the scoring for the 16-6 win.

 
STATS AND NOTES

• The victory was Elon's first in a season-opener since beating Campbell 13-9 in the 2021 opener.
• The margin of victory and the 16 goals scored were both the most for the program since the 2015 team opened the season with a 24-8 win over Kennesaw State.
• Elon had not held an opponent to six goals or fewer in a game since a 16-6 win over William & Mary on May 2, 2021.
• Kaitlyn Michaud scored five goals in the contest, surpassing her previous career-best of two goals in a game.
• Anna Hackett also had five goals and added an assist for six points. For the 2023 CAA All-Freshman team member, both of those totals are career highs.
• Hackett had 11 shots, tied for fifth-most in a single-game in program history, and 10 on goal, tied for fourth-most.
• Freshman MJ Santa Barbara had 12 draw controls. That total ties the school record, achieved three other times. Teammate Sammy Fisher had 12 a year ago, while alumna Gillian Curran reached 12 draw controls twice in 2022.
• Kailee Follette and Sammy Fisher led Elon with three ground balls each.
• Follette, Hackett and Alex Belveal each had two caused turnovers.
• Caitlin Walsh got her first win in goal of the season, making five saves.
• As a team, Elon controlled the action throughout. The Phoenix outshot Old Dominion 34-12, including 8-0 in the fourth quarter. Shots on goal were 31-11.
• Elon was +8 on turnovers, forcing Old Dominion into 21.
• Old Dominion was just 13-of-25 on clear attempts, while Elon was perfect on 15 tries.
• Elon held a 16-10 edge in ground balls and a 19-6 advantage in the draw circle. The Phoenix was also 4-of-8 on free-position shots.

 
UP NEXT

• Elon continues its season-opening three-game road trip as the Phoenix will play at Queens in Charlotte Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
• Following that contest, Elon plays at VCU on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2:00 p.m. before returning home.
• Elon will host Furman on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 5:00 p.m. for the home opener.