After dropping their first meeting with the Winthrop University Eagles Sept. 24, the Phoenix traveled to South Carolina to even the score. However, Elon was not able to get too comfortable as the Eagles took control of the game early and held on for the win.

Winthrop’s Logan Pierce had 18 kills on the night and Mary Hock added 11 in the Eagles’ 3-0 defeat of the Phoenix. The disappointing loss the Phoenix dropped to 2-6 in the Big South Conference.

Elon returned to Alumni Gym Oct. 25 to face East Carolina University. The Phoenix made quick work of the Pirates in a match that lasted an hour and twenty minutes.

Senior Laura Griffin led the team with 14 kills in the 3-0 shutout. Helping the Phoenix in the win was freshman Kate Hart with 36 assists. Sophomores Mary Kate Spear (10 digs) and Emily Hayes (13 kills) also contributed to the win.

With a win against East Carolina, Elon improved to 7 and 19 on the season. The Phoenix are currently in fifth place in the conference standings, but Tuesday’s meeting with rival Radford University will be a deciding factor in where the team stands at the end of the week.

Last time the two teams met, Elon narrowly escaped a Highlander comeback in a five-game match.

The Phoenix will be back in action at Alumni Gym Friday against North Carolina University at Ashville.