Feb. 12, 2016
ELON, N.C. - Despite multi-point games for three Aztecs, the San Diego State lacrosse team opened the 2016 campaign with an 11-7 loss to Elon on Friday night.
The Phoenix got off to a quick start, with Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year Stephanie Asher opening scoring just 26 seconds into the game. Alexa Comfort responded convincingly, scoring a pair of goals, which Sloane Kessler answered with a pair of her own to regain Elon's lead at 4-2.
San Diego State snatched back the advantage midway through the period. Katie Gill, Erin Jeffery's free position goal, and Jill Haight worked to give the Aztecs a 5-3 lead with 10 minutes to go in the half.
But Elon added five unanswered goals before Vickie Porter made good on a free position attempt for an 8-6 Phoenix advantage going into the half.
Elon would add three goals in the final 30 minutes, capped by Kristen Hickey's third point of the day and Andrea Killebrew's second assist, for the final 11-7 win.
Katie Merritt protected the cage for San Diego State in the first half, recording seven saves and a .467 save percentage. Katrina Reeves turned away five shots in the second half, yielding a .625 save percentage.
The Phoenix out-shot the Aztecs, 30-12, led on draw controls, 14-6, and scooped up more ground balls, 24-15. San Diego State was 11-for-17 on clear attempts while Elon was 10-for-13. On free position attempts, each team was 2-for-4. Both SDSU and Elon caused seven turnovers, with San Diego State led by Porter's two.
The Aztecs continue their trip in the Tar Heel State with a visit to the National Champion runner-up No. 2/2 North Carolina on Sun., Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. PT. Live stats are available on GoAztecs.com