Elon, N.C.- The Elon women's soccer team opened their 2024 season with a dominant, defensive performance to earn their first win of the season. Katie Bisgrove made her first start in net for the Phoenix and collected three saves. She earned her first win as well as her first shutout in the season opener.
 
Senior forward Lydia Totten found the lone goal of the match in the 23^rd minute to give the Phoenix a 1-0 advantage they would not relinquish. Jordan Green and Grace Gelhaus both picked up an assist on the play to kick off their season point totals.
 
 
How It Happened

• The Phoenix started off strong with the first attack resulting in the first shot, coming off the foot of Isa Murdock, just two minutes into the match.
• Elon continued to pile on the pressure in the first 15 minutes, firing off four shots over a five-minute span in the first half. A shot from Gabby Hoschek drew a save out of the Patriots for the first shot on goal.
• The Phoenix offense continued to dictate the pace and possession with several chances coming from corner kicks.
• Katie Bisgrove was tested for the first time in the 15^th minute following a turnover from the Phoenix. Bisgrove made a quick reaction save to keep the match tied.
• Lydia Totten put the Phoenix on the board first with a left-footed shot coming off a low-driven cross from Jordan Green.
• Elon continued to boss the possession with another opportunity off a corner kick from the head of Olivia McManes.
• George Mason came out with an increased energy in the second half, earning an opportunity from a free kick. The cross would find the gloves of Katie Bisgrove to keep Elon's 1-0 intact.
• Teams traded possession for a majority of the second half, with both teams creating minimal chances. Elon was able to create a few clear-cut chances in the final 15 minutes following set piece opportunities.
• Rachel Buckle nearly doubled the Phoenix lead from 35 yards out as her free kick nicked the hand of the George Mason keeper which kept the score at 1-0.
• Elon's defense was able to nail down the victory with a number of clearances and grabs by Bisgrove in net to preserve Elon's home opening win.

 
Notes and Stats

• For the seventh consecutive season, the Phoenix have shut out their opposition in the home opener.
• Dating back to last season, the Phoenix have gone 471 minutes without conceding a goal from open play.
• Lydia Totten continued her form from last season where she led the team in goals. She bagged her first goal of the season against the Patriots and has collected two points in back-to-back matches.
• Grace Gelhaus collected the first assist of her season and the fifth of her career. Gelhaus' four assists led the Phoenix last season.
• Jordan Green added an assist on Totten's goal which extends her assist streak to two games.
• Katie Bisgrove collected the first win and shutout of her career on Thursday night. Bisgrove is the first freshman to collect a 90-minute shutout since McKenna Dalfonso in 2021.
• The backline of Katie Lowe, Rachel Buckle, and Jessica Hill all put together 90-minute performances. Hill put together 90 minutes in her first collegiate game.

 
Up Next

• The Phoenix will return to Rudd Field August 25^th where they will welcome Queens University. Kick off will be at 7 pm.