CONWAY, S.C. – Nicole Dennion's second-half goal and first-half assist helped the Elon University women's soccer team to a 2-0 victory in its season opener at Coastal Carolina on Friday night, Aug. 23.

"It was a good team effort tonight against a talented Coastal Carolina team," said Elon head coach Chris Neal. "We had great energy and played well in possession at times, despite only being here for 12 days. Coastal is a very well-coached team and we dodged a few bullets in the first half. Once [Coastal] gets some key players back from injury and illness they are going to be a force in the Big South."
 
In the 26th minute, Dennion took a short pass on a corner from Raychel Diver and hit Alissa Pantuosco on a cross for the header and score, putting the maroon and gold up, 1-0.
 
Dennion struck again in the second frame, taking a loose ball off a Coastal misplay and chipping it over the opposing goalkeeper for the score, giving the Phoenix a 2-0 lead.
 
The Elon backline and keeper Kate Murphy held the Chanticleers in check from there, earning the shutout and the victory. The Phoenix held the Chanticleers to just one shot in the second half.
 
Murphy minded the net for all 90 minutes, tallying three saves.
 
Elon put five shots on-frame in the win, while holding Coastal Carolina to three.
 
The Phoenix ended the night with a 6-3 edge in corners, including four in the second half.
 
Elon returns to the friendly confines of Rudd Field on Sunday at 2 p.m. to face instate foe East Carolina.

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