The softball team went undefeated at the Phoenix Classic this past weekend, with a dazzling display of both their offensive and defensive skills to capture first place.

The Phoenix Classic was held on Saturday and Sunday at Burlington Springwood Park and featured two games per day for each team. Joining the Phoenix in the five-team tournament was St. Francis University, Norfolk State University, Bucknell University and UNC-Greensboro.

In the first game of the tournament, Elon downed St. Francis 10-2 in six innings of play. Junior Carol Lilley pitched a complete game, allowing only two runs on three hits. Lilley struck out the first three batters of the game and continued with four more in later innings, totaling seven strikeouts on the afternoon. The offense backed Lilley up with 13 hits and 10 runs for the win.

The Phoenix defeated Norfolk State 19-1 in only five innings in its second game on Saturday. Junior Debbie Zeigler led Elon at the plate, going 4-for-4 with one RBI. Melanie Helterbran earned the win for the Phoenix giving up one run on eight hits, while striking out five. She also got it done at the play with three hits and four RBI’s.

On the second day of play, the Phoenix earned the victory over Bucknell 5-1. It held the Bison to only one run in the first inning. Helterbran picked up her second win of the tournament after hurling 5.2 innings in relief. Goss led Elon from the plate, going 3-for-3 with one run and two RBI’s.

In the last game of the tournament, Elon and UNC-G entered the bottom of the seventh inning in a 5-5 tie. The Phoenix capitalized on UNC-G’s errors, getting two players on base because of a Hit-By-Pitch and a throwing error. Two consecutive singles to the right side by Helterbran and sophomore Jaimie Rao, respectively, allowed Elon to run away with the 6-5 victory.

Head Coach Patti Raduenz said her team “always wants to win home games and bring the trophy home.” The Phoenix Women fulfilled that wish with flying colors at the Phoenix Classic.

The Phoenix jump back into action Friday against Albany at the Winthrop Tournament in Rock Hill, S.C. Albany [4-3] has won its conference tournament for the past two years and is looking for a three-peat this season. Elon [9-6] is looking for the same success it enjoyed at the Phoenix Classic.

“I love the heart, hustle and determination of the team,” Raduenz said,

The team is going to need that same determination when it kicks off the tournament against Albany.

Elon is also scheduled to play North Carolina A&T, Campbell, and UNC-Wilmington during the weekend tournament at Winthrop. Elon is set to face North Carolina A&T in its second game on Friday. The game will be a rematch of the Feb. 24 home game, in which the Phoenix downed the Aggies, 11-2.

In its first game on Saturday, the Phoenix is set to play Campbell University at noon. The Campbell Camels are 12-8 so far this season.

The Phoenix will play its second game on Saturday under the lights at 6 p.m. against UNC-W. The Seahawks are coming off a disappointing loss in the championship game of a tournament they participated in this past weekend. They stand with a 6-9 record thus far.

Reporter: Michelle Longo - 03/08/07