Elon University’s women’s soccer team, the Phoenix, opens its 2026 campaign on August 13 when it hosts Virginia Commonwealth University at Rudd Field in Elon, North Carolina.
Defending Champions Look to Extend Dominance
The Phoenix enter the season as defending Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) champions, having captured the conference title for the second time in three years. Their opening opponent, VCU, was selected seventh in the Atlantic 10 preseason poll after a 7‑10‑3 record in 2025.
Elon’s recent history shows a pattern of strong season‑openers. Since 2011 the team has won 11 of its 15 opening games, including a stretch of 14 unbeaten non‑conference matches that features shutouts against seven different opponents. The squad returns 84 percent of its championship‑winning starting XI, a roster that includes captain Jordan Green.
Key Returning Players
Goalkeeper Katie Bisgrove, a junior, led CAA keepers with a .869 save percentage, a 0.78 goals‑against average and 106 saves last season. Defender Grace Gelhaus, a senior, earned CAA Defender of the Year honors and was named to the All‑CAA First Team after scoring seven goals. Midfielder Ava Hellner contributed nine points, including three goals and three assists in conference play.
Additional stalwarts such as Isa Murdock, Ashlee Brehio, Neil Payne, Isabelle Franklin, Jensyn Lyns, Lauryn Hutchinson and Jordan Green give the Phoenix depth and experience. Their combined presence helps maintain a top‑three scoring offense that averaged 1.78 goals per match in CAA competition.
VCU’s Young Core
Virginia Commonwealth’s lineup will feature returning goalkeeper Mia Pongratz, who posted a 1.85 goals‑against average and a .695 save percentage in 2025, and midfielder Vivian Vindt. The Rams will look to build around these players as they aim to improve on last season’s record.
The upcoming clash marks the fifth meeting between the two programs, with the previous four encounters ending in draws. While the historical record is even, the Phoenix will be eager to break the streak and start the season with a victory on home turf.